How space suits have evolved to keep astronauts safe (2024)

This story appears in the July 2019 issue of National Geographic magazine.

Space suits—designed to provide oxygen and consistent atmospheric pressure—have evolved from pressure suits for pilots in high-altitude planes to ones that can keep astronauts alive in the near-vacuum conditions of space.

Read more about past—and future—travels to the moon in our July cover story “50 years after Apollo 11, a new moon race is on.

How space suits have evolved to keep astronauts safe (2024)

FAQs

How space suits have evolved to keep astronauts safe? ›

Proper pressure keeps body fluids from boiling. EVA

EVA
Extravehicular activity (EVA) is any activity done by an astronaut in outer space outside a spacecraft. In the absence of a breathable Earthlike atmosphere, the astronaut is completely reliant on a space suit for environmental support.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Extravehicular_activity
suits allow for work outside spaceships. They protect against threats such as extreme temperatures, debris, and radiation. IVA suits accessorized to work outside, or IEVAs, eliminate the need for two separate suits and reduce cargo weight.

How do spacesuits keep astronauts safe? ›

The suits protect astronauts from getting too hot or cold. Spacesuits also give astronauts oxygen to breathe while they are working in space. The suits hold water to drink. They also keep astronauts from getting hurt by space dust.

How have space suits changed over time? ›

In general, the current suit contains more updated technology than the 1969 suit. Hand movements are also prioritized in the modern suit: astronauts “walk” with their hands, maneuvering around the spacecraft using hand railings due to the weak gravity pull.

How is the space suit designed to protect the astronaut? ›

Spacesuits are like a small spacecraft and protect astronauts from dangers in space. The Primary Life Support System (PLSS), which looks like a backpack, provides the suit with pressurized oxygen and ventilation while removing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace contaminants.

What keeps astronauts safe? ›

Not only must they provide oxygen, scrub carbon dioxide from the air and provide hydration (and a toilet), spacesuits must also protect astronauts against bits of debris hurtling around the Earth and the intensely cold conditions of space.

Are space suits bulletproof? ›

The outside layer is made of Nomex, Kevlar, and Teflon. These are the same kinds of materials used in a bulletproof vest, even though the space suit is not bulletproof.

How did NASA protect astronauts from radiation? ›

In general, the best shields will be able to block a spectrum of radiation. Aboard the space station, the use of hydrogen-rich shielding such as polyethylene in the most frequently occupied locations, such as the sleeping quarters and the galley, has reduced the crew's exposure to space radiation.

What would happen if an astronaut's space suit ripped? ›

If a stone hits the spacesuit and punctures it, air from the suit will leak into space in no time, resulting in very very low pressure inside the suit. This will cause arteries of astronaut to burst, implying almost immediate death.

What happens if astronauts didn't wear space suits? ›

In space, there is no air to breath and no air pressure. Space is extremely cold and filled with dangerous radiation. Without protection, an astronaut would quickly die in space. Spacesuits are specially designed to protect astronauts from the cold, radiation and low pressure in space.

What does a space suit not protect against? ›

A space suit is a multilayered garment designed to allow a person to survive in relatively airless space at extreme temperatures. It does not protect from radiation exposure or impacts from fast moving objects.

What accommodations have been designed to protect astronauts? ›

Additionally, a Kevlar layer helps protect the astronaut from micrometeorites puncturing the suit. Each spacesuit must be able to do all of this, as well as give the astronaut the mobility to make repairs to the International Space Station.

Was Apollo 13 a human error? ›

Damage to the heater and fan motor wiring caused the spark that led to the explosion. No one person or organization was at fault for Apollo 13's accident.

How do we bring astronauts safely back from space? ›

Once NASA officials give the team a go-ahead for a return, Starliner's thrusters would be used to undock the capsule from the ISS and begin a roughly six-hour journey home, gradually tightening its orbit before plunging into Earth's atmosphere for a landing, assisted by parachutes and airbags, at one of several ...

How long can a space suit keep an astronaut alive? ›

Since the suit is designed to keep an astronaut alive for 24 hours, it carries a supply of drinking water. NASA's spacesuit collection also is versatile.

How do spacesuits protect astronauts from vacuum? ›

Several layers of high-tech fibres serve as thermal insulation, hermetically sealed and high-strength layers maintain the internal pressure and prevent the suit from swelling in vacuum. An integrated heating-cooling system ensures bearable temperatures.

What happens if your space suit rips in space? ›

If a stone hits the spacesuit and punctures it, air from the suit will leak into space in no time, resulting in very very low pressure inside the suit. This will cause arteries of astronaut to burst, implying almost immediate death. Hope you are enjoying the blog series.

How do space suits not freeze? ›

Regulated temperature -- To cope with the extremes of temperature, most space suits are heavily insulated with layers of fabric (Neoprene, Gore-Tex, Dacron) and covered with reflective outer layers (Mylar or white fabric) to reflect sunlight.

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