Questions regarding the spacesuits that astronauts wear whilst in space
Questions tagged [spacesuits]
237 questions
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What does "double vacuum pressure" mean in space-suit testing?
There was news of the new SpaceX space suit in Reddit and now a mention in Elon Musk's Instagram where he says:
First picture of SpaceX spacesuit. More in days to follow. Worth noting that this actually works (not a mockup). Already tested to…
uhoh
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What's the normal leakage rate for a space suit?
What's the normal leakage rate for a space suit?
For a modern (as in, the model is still in use today) EVA suit in normal condition, undamaged, etc.
If there is a wide variation in leak rates for different suit versions, national designs, etc. that…
StayOnTarget
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What is the minimum pressure human body can live in, with head protected?
One fundamental problem of spacesuits is stiffnes due to air pressure; at around 0.3atm, with atmosphere of pure oxygen, they grant enough oxygen for breathing, and more than enough pressure to prevent other problems - blood vessels bursting, tissue…
SF.
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instead of pressurizing an entire spacesuit with oxygen could oxygen just pressurize the head and the rest of the body be pressurized with water?
Instead the body would be kept from boiling by a thin layer of water that was held down by oxygen up at the head. 1 gallon of water is 8lbs which per inch is what the latest spacesuit is designed to operate at using oxygen (
) could water achieve…
Benjamin Fenigsohn
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Ease of Detachment of a Space Helmet
How easy is it to disconnect and remove the helmet of a space suit? More specifically...
How long does it take for one to remove his own helmet?
Would it be feasible for somebody to remove another's helmet in a relatively quick manner?
Would it be…
Alex Clough
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How are Rotating Joints in a Spacesuit Gas-tight?
In Spacesuits, especially in newer ones like the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU), there are a large number of rotating joints at different portions like wrists, arms, torso, etc.
According to my logic, between a rotating part and a…
Vishnu
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Was there ever a suitcase-sized spacesuit?
Were there any spacesuit designs small enough to fit inside a suitcase? Such a suit might be useful in emergencies or as a backup suit.
Prototypes are fine. Okay to exclude the helmet if it is too big. Pictures are desirable.
DrSheldon
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Are Mechanical Counterpressure Suits like the BioSuit skin compatible when worn for hours?
Mechanical counterpressure (MCP) suits replace the pressure of the gas in the suit by mechanical pressure. Sweat on the skin may evaporate into the vacuum around the suit.
But what about skin compatibility when worn for hours?
Sweat production is…
Uwe
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Why ISS Astronauts have red stripes?
After seeing the interesting question How do ISS astronauts “get their stripes”?, I was wondering why the color red was chosen for the identifying stripe:
I am assuming that red is the best color that stands out against their white suits and/or…
BruceWayne
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What is the current state of Squeeze-suit development, as distinguished from gas-pressurized models?
This ten-year-old article on a squeezesuit concept estimates that it is ten years from completion.
Ten years have passed, and this article is still the #1 hit on Google, with a couple of other speculative science-fiction-oriented results.
Has any…
Chris B. Behrens
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Which consumable resource puts the hard limit on EVA time?
EVA suits use an array of consumable resources: oxygen, CO2 filter, nitrogen, electricity, sublimator/coolant water, drink water, maybe something else I missed.
So, if an astronaut on EVA in LEO was unable to return to the craft/station, floating…
SF.
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What does the interior of a spacesuit smell like?
What does a new spacesuit and breathing apparatus smell like when you first put it on?
The natural progression of the question is does the scent wear off and does it get to smelling stagnant and nasty in there after a while.
whitepawn
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What are the technical differences between AxEMU and xEMU?
On March 15, 2023, Axiom Space sort-of unveiled their lunar spacesuit, based on the NASA xEMU. I say sort-of because apparently, though the Axiom suit is selected for Artemis III, missions following that are still in competition between Axiom and…
Erin Anne
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Do launch suits have markings that can distinguish between crew members?
We've had two questions about the red stripes on extravehicular suits, used to distinguish between the suited astronauts. Usually the more experienced or higher-ranking astronaut wears the stripes. When there are three astronauts, a broken red…
DrSheldon
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How does an ACES suit seal at the feet?
The Advanced Crew Escape Suit -- also known as the ACES suit or "pumpkin suit" -- was worn by all Shuttle astronauts (since 1998) during launch and landing.
The helmet and gloves were connected to the suit by locking rings. Leather paratrooper…
DrSheldon
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