THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SPACESUIT

NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) currently lead the way

Extravehicular Mobility Unit

Name of space agency/private company: NASA Notable missions: Space Shuttle missions, International Space Station

Pros

+ Reusable

+ 14 layers of protection + Stood the test of time + Mobile life-support system

Cons

- Lacks manoeuvring capability - Not many left

- Need for greater reliability - Use ageing technology

Orlan MKS spacesuit

Name of space agency/private company: ROSCOSMOS Notable missions: International Space Station

Pros

+ Enter via rear hatch

+ Automated environmental control + Lighter than EMU

+ Built-in computer

Cons

- Too bulky to return to ground

- Not modular so size restrictions for cosmonauts - Tanks need to be replaced when empty

Sokol IVA suit

Name of space agency/private company: ROSCOSMOS

Notable missions: International Space Station

Pros

+ Rescue suit worn by astronauts on board the

Soyuz spacecraft

+ Good field of view

+ Quick to put on thanks to zippers

+ Handy central placement of pressure-relief valve

Cons

- Intended purely for use on board a spacecraft - Doesn’t withstand thermal variations

- Not intended to be worn for long durations - Introduced as far back as 1973

Advanced Crew Escape Suit

Name of space agency/private company: NASA Notable missions: Space Shuttle missions

Pros

+ Integrated pressure bladders and

ventilation system

+ Pressure helmet designed to reduce glare + Textured gloves for grip of controls + Black leather boots that reduce swelling

Cons

- Cannot be worn during spacewalks - Intended purely for the launch and

landing of a space shuttle

- Bright orange – not exactly fashionable - Does not offer great mobility