Space Suits Explained

 

Space suits are essential for astronauts who venture outside their spacecraft to perform tasks in the harsh environment of space. But what exactly are space suits and how do they work?

A space suit is a complex system of garments, equipment and environmental systems designed to keep a person alive and comfortable in the vacuum of space. Space suits have several functions: they provide a pressurized atmosphere for breathing, they protect against extreme temperatures and radiation, they allow mobility and dexterity, and they supply oxygen, water and power.

There are different types of space suits for different purposes. For example, the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is a space suit used by NASA astronauts for spacewalks outside the International Space Station (ISS). The EMU consists of two main parts: the Hard Upper Torso (HUT), which contains the life support system and the controls, and the Lower Torso Assembly (LTA), which includes the arms, legs and boots. The EMU also has a helmet with a visor, a communications system, a cooling system, a backpack with oxygen tanks and batteries, and various tools and attachments.

Another type of space suit is the Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS), which is designed for NASA's Orion spacecraft that will carry astronauts to the Moon and beyond. The OCSS is a lightweight and flexible suit that can be worn inside the spacecraft during launch, landing and emergency situations. The OCSS provides protection from fire, smoke, debris and water, as well as thermal insulation and pressure regulation. The OCSS also has a helmet with a visor, a communications system, a cooling system, an emergency oxygen supply and a parachute harness.

Space suits are not only functional but also symbolic of human exploration and achievement. They represent the ingenuity and courage of those who dare to venture into the unknown and expand our horizons.