Spacesuit

A spacesuit is modular equipment complexes conceived to protect the Astronaute S at the time of the space exits . It is in particular used at the time of activities extravéhiculaires outside space vehicles in orbit around the Ground, or for the exploration of lunar surface with feet or in rover.

The space environment being very hard, a man who would be directly exposed there would die very quickly: he would first of all lose all the air contained in his lungs, involving a Coma in a few minutes (Hypoxie). He would lose simultaneously his body liquids which would start to boil (sublimation) because of difference in pressure with outside. He would follow a generalized internal bleeding from there.

The principal functions of the spacesuit (SA) are thus to provide Oxygène, a pressurized environment with the astronaut, to control his temperature, the content water and to resist the micrométéoroïdes like with the solar radiations (light, heat, UV), with the cosmic rays and the electromagnetic fields.

In its most modern version (MOVED, ()), this combination does not protect however the astronaut from the corpuscular emissions of strong energies, emitted during the solar eruptions (protons, electrons).

MOVED used since 1994 is strictly reserved for the EVA. It consists of three principal modules: the combination itself, SA or Space Follows Assembly ; the system of basic survival PLSS or Primary Life Support System , which contains the reserve of Eau, bottles of Oxygène, power supply, average radios, etc; and the full-face helmet which includes/understands a polycarbonate visor, means of telecommunication, a ventilator to make circulate oxygen, an extractor of gas and moisture, a water arrival, 2 pairs of external lamps and an external camera.

Functions of the spacesuit

In order to preserve the physical integrity of the Astronaut during a extravéhiculaire activity (EVA), the spacesuit must provide:
  • a Pressure stable intern (currently of 0.29 atmospheres);
  • a reserve of Water, Oxygen and a purifying gas;
  • a means of provisioning and evacuation of the Gas and Liquid S, including urines;
  • a system of regulation of the Temperature, which oscillates between -100 °C with +120 °C (a good insulation and a cooling system by water circulation in small tubes incorporated in undergarment LCVG);
  • a protection against the electromagnetic radiations;
  • a protection against the Micrométéoroïde S;
  • a system of Communication UHF by which also passes telemetry and the EEG;
  • the Mobility and the autonomy of the astronaut at the time of the EVA;
  • of additional connections (ends, interfaces, etc).

The combination MOVED used since 1994 is practically inalterable. It is conceived to survive approximately 15 years but is certified by Hamilton Standard only for 25 EVA.

See too

Internal bonds

  • Activity extravéhiculaire or EVA ( Extra-vehicular activity )
  • Unit of individual operation (space armchair) or DRIVEN ()

External bonds

  • Canadian Space agency: '' The science of the spacesuits ''
  • Howstuffworks: How do the spacesuits function?
  • Astronautix.com: complete listing of the spacesuits
  • Russian Spacesuits

Simple: Space follows

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