Space
Station Extravehicular Activity
Workclothes
for Orbit
 | | Astronaut
Jerry L. Ross, mission specialist, uses artificial light
during the second
STS-88 spacewalk. Ross is near a Pressurized Module
Adapter (PMA) on Endeavour's port side. |
In addition to new space
walking tools and philosophies for assembly of the International
Space Station, space walkers have an enhanced spacesuit. The shuttle
spacesuit, or Extravehicular Mobility Unit as it is technically
called, was originally designed for sizing and maintenance between
flights by skilled specialists on Earth, a difficult if not impossible
requirement for astronauts aboard the station.
That same suit has been
improved for the International Space Station. The spacesuit can
be stored in orbit and is certified for up to 25 space walks before
it must be returned to Earth for refurbishment. It can be adjusted
in flight to fit different astronauts and be easily cleaned and
refurbished between space walks onboard the station. In addition,
assembly work on the station is done in much colder temperatures
than most space shuttle space walks. Unlike the shuttle, the station
cannot be turned to provide the most optimum sunlight to moderate
temperatures during a space walk.
 | |
On the right of this image is the old system for spacesuit
sizing, which used a fabric segment above the boot that
was changed out by ground crews based on the astronaut's
leg length. On the left is the new system, which uses interlocking
rings that are changed out on orbit. |
Enhancements to the suit
to better prepare it for assembly and use aboard the station include:
easily replaceable internal parts; reusable carbon dioxide removal
cartridges; metal sizing rings that allow in-flight suit adjustments
to fit different crew members; new gloves with enhanced dexterity;
a new radio with more channels to allow up to five people to talk
at one time; warmth enhancements such as fingertip heaters and
a cooling system shutoff; new helmet-mounted flood and spot lights;
and a jet-pack "life jacket" called SAFER to allow an accidentally
untethered astronaut to fly back to the station in an emergency.
Why are EVA suits white? |
