Explain Science

Spacesuit

A spacesuit is a specially designed garment that provides life support and protection for astronauts during spacewalks, extravehicular activities (EVAs), or in case of emergency situations. A spacesuit functions as a miniature spacecraft for the astronaut, providing them with oxygen, cooling, and communication while they are outside the spacecraft. The suits are designed to provide thermal protection from extreme temperatures ranging from -250°F (-157°C) to 250°F (121°C), protect against harmful solar and galactic radiation, and resist impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris. Spacesuits are complex, custom-made garments that take years to design, build and test. They have various layers and subsystems for life support, mobility, communication, and thermal management. Astronauts typically train for years to learn how to operate the spacesuits properly.