For the human body, outer space is a very dangerous place subjecting the body to enormous
variations in temperature, extreme radiation, a vacuum environment, and the impact of micrometeoroids
and orbital debris. In the beginning it wasn't much of a problem
for astronauts. They simply wore a modified version of a jet aircraft pressure suit and
it was only pressurized if the cabin pressure failed. The astronauts stayed inside the flight
capsule the whole time so having a suit to protect against the dangers of outer space
was not essential. During the Gemini missions and the first space
walks, suits were more protective as astronauts were subjected to the extremes of outer space.
But even so, these suits were not as complicated as today's suits. For one thing they did
not contain life support systems. A hose connected the astronaut to the spacecraft, provided
oxygen to breathe and air-cooling for the suit.
For the Apollo missions to the moon the space suit had to protect astronauts while they
were not only outside of the spacecraft but also walking around on the moon. The old laced
up boots had to go, making way for boots for walking on rocky ground. The Apollo suits
also had to have a self-contained life support system. Each space suit was custom made for
each astronaut. After the spacecraft fire that killed three Apollo astronauts in 1967,
NASA required that the suits had to withstand temperatures of over 1,000 degrees F.
The next phase of suits came with the Space Shuttle. During launch and return to Earth
astronauts wore the familiar orange suits which could only be worn inside the spacecraft.
For outside projects they wore heavy white spacesuits with self-contained life support.
No longer custom-made like previous suits, the Shuttle suit was comprised of separate
components which could be assembled to make space suits to fit almost anyone, male or
female. Several sizes of each component were made and placed on a shelf for use as needed.
Getting into the current spacesuits is not an easy thing to do. First the astronaut wriggles
into the lower torso assembly and then rises into the top section, which is hanging on
the wall of the airlock. The "snoopy cap" provides all of the communication components.
The gloves are added and the last is the helmet assembly.
The same heavy white suits used during the Shuttle missions are currently worn for work
outside the International Space Station. These spacesuits were not designed to be easily
maintained by the crew so are typically returned to Earth for servicing.
Space suits need to: Have a pressurized atmosphere, Sufficient oxygen supply, Eliminate carbon
dioxide, Maintain a proper temperature, Protect from micrometeroids, Protect from radiation,
Enable clear vision, Allow easy movement of the body inside the spacesuit, Enable easy
conversation with others such as ground controllers, other astronauts, etc, And facilitate movement
around the outside of the spacecraft. Since NASA is planning to send humans to places
far further than humans have ever gone before, including landing on an asteroid and landing
on Mars that means that new more protective, flexible, and easier to get into suits are
being developed. The new suits will make it easier to walk
around, walk safely on rocky ground, and give protection from dust which can be as rough
as sandpaper. Mars has a carbon dioxide atmosphere so the
current life support's technology won't work. NASA is therefore working on an advanced
life support system that will protect astronauts on Mars or in deep space by improving humidity
control, oxygen regulation, and by continually removing carbon dioxide from breathing air,
ending the need for canisters of carbon dioxide absorbing lithium hydroxide. The life support
system is being designed so it will last a long time, and can be repaired by crew members
in space or on Mars. The new suits are meant for use both in space and on planet surfaces.
One new generation of space suits is called the Z Suit. NASA's Z-1 suit was the first
generation of these new suits. The Z suit has a rear entry hatch. Instead of being worn like clothing,
the astronaut enters the Z suit through its back port.
This idea has moved out of the concept stage and is currently being tested.
The new Z suit has a hard composite upper torso which provides a long-term durability
that will be required for future extravehicular activity. Even the gloves have undergone re-design.
There are now 62 different sizes with fine adjustments of finger lengths in each of those sizes.
The Z-2 suit also uses design elements, like
electroluminescent wiring making it easier to see and identify the astronaut in total
darkness. It uses Luminex wire and light-emitting patches.
Even 3D printing is being used to produce some of the components of the Z suit.
This is a transparent prototype of the Z-1 suit produced by Solid Concepts Inc. using 3D printing.
The Z-2 suit is still in the prototype phase so it won't actually be used until after
further testing. After the Z-2 is thoroughly tested, the results will be incorporated into
the design of a Z-3 suit slated for final delivery in 2018 or 2019.
This suit called Bio Suit is being developed by MIT Professor Dr. Daven Neuman and offers
a totally different concept. The astronaut is first scanned by a laser
scanner to generate a mannequin. The bio suit is then built on the mannequin for a custom fit.
The suit is skin tight and applies pressure on the body to prevent tissue from expanding
and blood from congealing. The suit is laced with a network of filaments that allow for
normal movement but maintain the structure of the suit. Coils of wire actively compress
the material. The filaments are like this heat activated worm made of the same material.
Since the suit does not use gas for pressure like traditional suits, it can be easily repaired
in case of damage to the suit. New heads up helmet displays are being developed
which will eliminate charts and information attached to astronaut's wrists. They will
provide real time information about the astronaut's environment and orientation projected onto
the inside of the helmet while exploring alien worlds.
Developed by Aurora Wearables, this internet-connected space suit is currently being used on the
ISS. It features a vision board on the suit sleeve, a "wearable hug" using inflatable
material that squeezes the wearer's shoulders when a family member back home is thinking
of them, and a 3D printer in the pocket that delivers tools and parts direct to the suit.
It has been sewn using conductive thread that carries power and data to the embedded devices.
Other space suits and concepts are being developed and tested including these used with inflatable spacecraft modules.
With an eye on exploring deep space, NASA
is focused on developing new technologies that one day will be used in a suit worn by
the first humans to step foot on an asteroid or on the Red Planet.