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History of Space Suits
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Silver space suits - Gemini Photo courtesy NASA
On the ground, flight suits are worn. They are cloth jumpsuits that provide little protection. Flight suits are more like uniforms. As space travellers enter the Space Shuttle to prepare for launch, however, they wear bright orange launch suits, or partial pressure suits. During the launch and entry phases of flight, these suits have a parachute, a helmet, a communication assembly, a torso, gloves, and boots. The suit provides protection from the changes in pressure and temperature that the crew could face if it had to parachute to safety.
While in orbit on the Space Shuttle or International Space Station, astronauts do not wear space suits. They work in regular clothes that are flame retardant. They can do this because the pressure and temperature inside the Shuttle or Station are controlled. When astronauts venture outside of the craft, astronauts change into the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), better known as a space suit.
On Earth, the space suit weighs about 127 kg. In space, the suit weighs much less. Under normal conditions, a space suit should last about 8 years. Each space suit costs around 1 million US dollars.
The first space suits used on the Mercury spacecraft were modified versions of Navy jet aircraft pressure suits. Since the astronauts stayed inside the craft, space walking needs were not considered. The suits could be pressurised if cabin pressure was lost.
When Edward White opened the Gemini IV hatch, he became the first American to walk in space. A 25-foot oxygen line attached a chest-mounted pressure regulator and ventilation assembly to support him. It worked, but as space travel progressed, so did the design of all space suits.
Landing on the Moon meant that astronauts needed to be fully independent from the spacecraft. A self-contained supply of breathing and pressurising oxygen, filters for removing carbon dioxide, and cooling water, were all mounted in a backpack system on their space suits. This gave Apollo crewmen the independence they needed.
Apollo suits provided greater mobility and flexibility for walking on the Moon's surface. The suits also provided protection from Moon rocks, meteorites, and high heat.
NASA continues to improve space suits. The suits of the future will be designed for additional comfort, mobility, flexibility, and protection.
Source: NASA
Check that you understand what these words mean in this document Partial: not total. Torso:the body excluding the head and neck and limbs. Flame retardant: a substance that slows down the spread of fire. To modify: to change in form or character. Self-contained:being a complete and independent unit in itself. To mount: to fix onto a backing, setting, or support.
