Inside a NASA Spacesuit: Everything Astronauts Wear in Space

Summary

This video delves into the intricacies of space suits used by astronauts during space walks (EVAs) on the International Space Station (ISS). It highlights the importance of preparation, beginning with essential garments for comfort and hygiene, followed by the cooling and ventilation systems crucial for regulating body temperature in the vacuum of space. The construction of the suit is meticulously detailed, showcasing its protective layers, mobility features, and life support systems. Equipped with innovative technology, these suits enable astronauts to safely explore and work in the harsh environment of space, paving the way for future extraterrestrial missions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Humans cannot survive in the vacuum of space without proper equipment, losing consciousness within 15 seconds.
• 🚀 Spacewalks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs), are crucial for astronauts to perform maintenance and repairs on the International Space Station (ISS).
• 👕 Astronauts wear a maximum absorbency garment (diaper) for comfort during long EVAs, which can last over six hours.
• 💧 The liquid cooling and ventilation garment helps regulate body temperature by circulating cool water through tubes.
• 🛡️ The hard upper torso of the space suit provides structural support and houses vital life support systems.
• 🔋 The primary life support system includes oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal, cooling, and power systems essential for astronaut safety.
• 🧤 Pressurized gloves are designed to allow for dexterity and protection from cold conditions while ensuring finger mobility.
• 🌌 The space suit's design incorporates multiple layers for protection against radiation and micrometeoroids.
• 🎧 Communication is maintained via a communications carrier assembly (Snoopy cap), allowing astronauts to stay in contact with their teams.
• 🧑‍🚀 Safety measures include tethers to prevent astronauts from floating away and a simplified aid for EVA rescue (SAFER) for emergency navigation back to the spacecraft.

Q & A

What happens to the human body in a vacuum?

In a vacuum, oxygen rapidly expands and escapes from the body, leading to unconsciousness in about 15 seconds and death within a minute if not properly protected.

What are spacewalks, and what is their official term?

Spacewalks are officially known as Extravehicular Activities (EVAs), where astronauts leave the safety of the International Space Station (ISS) to perform various tasks.

What is the first item astronauts wear before putting on their space suits?

The first item astronauts wear is a diaper, referred to as the Maximum Absorbency Garment, to manage bodily needs during long spacewalks.

How does the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) help astronauts?

The LCVG circulates cool water through thin tubes to draw away body heat and helps ventilate moist air, maintaining a comfortable temperature during EVAs.

What is the function of the Hard Upper Torso in the space suit?

The Hard Upper Torso is a rigid fiberglass shell that supports other components of the suit and provides structural integrity.

What is included in the Primary Life Support System of the space suit?

The Primary Life Support System includes oxygen supply, power, a communication system, cooling, and carbon dioxide removal mechanisms.

How do the arms of the space suit enhance astronaut mobility?

The arms of the suit are designed with bearings to allow for greater range of motion and are available in various sizes to fit different astronauts.

What protective features does the space suit have against environmental hazards?

The space suit includes layers that shield against radiation, micrometeoroids, and temperature extremes, ensuring safety and structural integrity.

What is the purpose of the Snoopy cap in the space suit?

The Snoopy cap is an audio headset used for communication between astronauts and the crew while performing EVAs.

What is SAFER, and how does it assist astronauts in emergencies?

SAFER, or Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue, is a system equipped with nitrogen thrusters that allows astronauts to navigate back to the spacecraft in case they become untethered.