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Main article: Space exposure.
In space, there are many different highly energized subatomic protons that will expose the body to extreme radiation. Although these compounds are minimal in amount, their high energy is liable to disrupt essential physical and chemical processes in the body, such as altering DNA or causing cancers. Exposure to radiation can create problems via two methods: the particles can react with water in the human body to produce free radicals that break DNA molecules apart, or by directly breaking the DNA molecules. [1] [2]
Space debris and particles such as micrometeorites flying around in space can also damage or puncture the astronaut's suit.
Temperature in space can vary extremely depending on where the sun is. Temperatures from solar radiation can reach up to 250°F and lower down to -387°F. Because of this, spacesuits must provide proper insulation and cooling. [2]
The vacuum in space creates zero pressure, causing the gases and processes in the body to expand. In order to prevent chemical processes in the body from overreacting, it is necessary to develop a suit that counteracts against the pressure in space. [3] [2]
Spacesuit Technology
Three types of spacesuits exist for different purposes: IVA (intravehicular activity), EVA (extravehicular activity), and IEVA (intra/extravehicular activity). IVA suits are meant to be worn inside a pressurized spacecraft, and are therefore lighter and more comfortable. IEVA suits are meant for use inside and outside the spacecraft, such as the Gemini G4C suit. They include more protection from the harsh conditions of space, such as protection from micrometeorites and extreme temperature change. EVA suits, such as the EMU are used for outside of spacecraft, for either planetary exploration or spacewalks. They must protect the wearer against all conditions of space, as well as provide mobility and functionality. [2]
Many spacesuit designs are taken from the U.S. Air Force suits, which are designed to work in “high altitude aircraft pressure[s],”[2] such as the Mercury IVA suit or the Gemini G4C, or the Advanced Crew Escape Suits.[4]
Gloves Technology
The Mercury IVA, the first U.S. spacesuit design, included lights at the tips of the gloves in order to provide visual aid. As the need for extravehicular activity grew, suits such as the Apollo A7L included gloves made of a metal fabric called Chromel-r in order to prevent punctures. In order to retain a better sense of touch for the astronauts, the fingertips of the gloves were made of silicone. With the shuttle program, it became necessary to be able to operate spacecraft modules, so the ACES suits featured gripping on the gloves. EMU gloves, which are used for spacewalks, are heated to keep the astronaut's hands warm. The Phase VI gloves, meant for use with the Mark III suit, are the first gloves to be designed with "laser scanning technology, 3D computer modeling, stereo lithography, laser cutting technology and CNC machining." [NASA, ILC Dover Inc. 1] This allows for cheaper, more accurate production, as well as increased detail in joint mobility and flexibility.
Life Support Technology
Prior to the Apollo missions, life support in space suits was connected to the space capsule via an umbilical cord-like device. However, with the Apollo missions, life support was configured into a removable capsule called the Portable Life Support System that allowed the astronaut to explore the moon without having to be attached to the space craft. The EMU spacesuit, used for spacewalks, allows the astronaut to manually control the internal environment of the suit. The Mark III suit has a backpack filled with about 12 pounds of liquid air, as well as pressurization and heat exchange. [4]
Z-series:
Main article: Z Series
In 2012, NASA introduced the Z-1 spacesuit, the first in the Z-series of spacesuit prototypes designed by NASA specifically for planetary extravehicular activity. The Z-1 spacesuit includes an emphasis on mobility and protection for space missions. It features a soft torso versus the hard torsos seen in previous NASA EVA spacesuits, which provides reduced mass.[5] It has been labeled the "Buzz Lightyear suit" due to its green streaks for a design.
In 2014, NASA released the design for the Z-2 prototype, the next model in the Z-series. NASA conducted a poll asking the public to decide on a design for the Z-2 spacesuit. The designs, created by fashion students from Philadelphia University, were "Technology", "Trends in Society", and "Biomimicry."[6] The design "Technology" won, and the prototype is built with technologies like 3D printing. The Z-2 suit will also differ from the Z-1 suit in that the torso reverts back to the hard shell, as seen in NASA's EMU suit. [7][8]
- ^ "Space Radiation Analysis Group". NASA, Johnson Space Center. NASA. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Thomas, Kenneth S.; McMann, Harold J. (23 November 2011). U.S. Spacesuits. Springer Science & Business Media.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Hanslmeier, Arnold (1 January 2002). The Sun and Space Weather (Illustrated ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 166–67. ISBN 1402006845.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b "NASA Spacesuits". NASA. NASA. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ TIME Staff. "NASA's Z-1 Space Suit". TIME. TIME Magazine. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ Kirkpatrick, Nick. "Intergalactic fashion: NASA's next space suit". Washington Post. Washington Post. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ CBC News (1 May 2014). "New Mars space suit unveiled by NASA". CBC/Radio-Canada. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^ "The NASA Z-2 Suit". NASA.gov. NASA.
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