Space Suits
Once the mechanics of how the space vehicles would work was decided, thoughts turned to the next problem. How was man to survive in such a hostile environment? Space contains neither air nor oxygen, so humans are unable to breathe. The vacuum of space can destroy an unprotected human body in a few seconds by explosive decompression.
Temperatures in space range from absolute zero near the shadows of planets to fatally high under the direct light
from the sun. The sun also produces radiation levels fatal to an unshielded person who is not protected by the
atmosphere of the earth.
Humans can be protected against space environments in
several ways. Enclosing them in a sealed cabin or space suit helps control the oxygen and temperature requirements
for life as well as provide insulation for radiation. Reflective surfaces on the outside help control the amount
of heat that can build up.
Space suits weigh 227 pounds on earth but nothing in space. Pressurized to help keep blood gases in balance, each
suit contains six hours worth of oxygen and water. The helmet has a clear face plate, with a protective visor that
can be flipped down to cover the face plate with a thin layer of gold to help shield the eyes from the light of
the sun. Helmets are also equipped with headphones and microphones for communication as well as sound can not travel
in a vacuum.
There are three main parts to a space suit. The first
is the helmet. The second section is the upper body cover. It has a hard shell to cover and protect the chest.
Attached to the shell are flexible arms and thick, protective gloves. The third is the bottom section, which covers
the legs and feet. This flexible section allows maximum maneuverability while performing tasks and is equipped
with attached boots.
Each suit has an air pack called a Primary Life Support
System that contains the necessary oxygen to breathe while in space. It also has a built in radio.
space suit (note air supply on back)
Ships, such as the shuttle, are equipped with special handles inside the work bay for the astronauts to grab onto
while the bay doors are open and they are working in space. There are also special footholds that the astronaut's
boots lock into for added stability during their activities.
If astronauts have to leave the shuttle bay, they can
wear a special backpack that contains small rockets that send bursts of air out of them. By firing the rockets
they are able to maneuver and control their flight away from the ship and back again.
With these suits, astronauts can move about safely outside their vessels to perform needed repairs, set up satellites
for deployment into space, and conduct experiments.
suit with thrusters and camera
