It is very common for people to wonder how space suits work. Well, they are carefullyengineered to ensure that the astronauts can easily carry out their research work. Without a space suit no one can last for more than 30 seconds in space because it is a vacuum and there are high temperatures as well as high levels of radiation. Since there is no atmospheric pressure in space, the Space Suitsis pressurized inside to maintain a pressure similar to the atmospheric pressure. The material used is urethane coated nylon that also enables to have an inflated suit. A polyester layer is also necessary to constrict the suit to certain expansion limits because the nylon might pop. To sustain the life of the astronaut, a portable life support system is necessary. It is usually fitted at the back of the Space Suits so that it can easily be carried around. It contains oxygen supply and a carbon dioxide removal unit. It also contains drink bottles that the person using can drink from. Still fitted at the back of are basic plumbing tools usually that used for extraction of specimen. At the front there is a control unit that helps give access to whatever is at the back. There are also communication gadgets for communication between the astronauts. There is also a control valve that is used to manually regulate the pressure levels inside. The valve releases pressure in case pressure becomes unbearable. To keep off external temperatures and radiation, there are five layers of aluminized Mylar that reflects back any waves. The heat that the body dissipates might be too much for the astronaut and so temperature regulation is necessary from within. This is done by use of underwear that is well channeled with pipes where water passes in order to cool the body. In order to promote extra vehicular activity, mobility of the astronaut must be made possible. It is usually limited by the pressure inside. To enable EVA then suits are designed and engineered in a way that the joints are easy to move around especially the elbows, knees and ankles. There are particles known as micro meteoroids that travel at very fast speeds of up to 15000 knots that could puncture the suit. Therefore, the outer garment must a thermal micro meteoroid protective one. It should also be a garment that picks up dirt. This is meant to avoid contamination that may be brought back to the ship. After the astronauts take off their suits the dirt might come into contact with their skin or they might inhale it which is a health hazard. The number of garment layers in the suit altogether is 15. The designers must also ensure that how Space Suits work is economical because people do not want to spend all their resources on a suit that will not be required after a short research trip. To ensure this some of the basic requirements like the astronauts relieving themselves is solved by use of extra absorbent garment as diapers. Basically that is how space suits work. www.spacesuits.com - All Rights Reserved. |
