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What are the purposes of spacesuits?
A spacesuit protects astronauts from those extreme temperatures. Spacesuits also supply astronauts with oxygen to breathe while they are in the vacuum of space. They contain water to drink during spacewalks. They protect astronauts from being injured from impacts of small bits of space dust.
What is in a space suit backpack?
On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack called the Primary Life Support Subsystem. This backpack contains the oxygen that astronauts breathe during a spacewalk. It removes carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale. The backpack also provides electricity for the suit.
Why is the space suit insulated?
NASA’s radiant barrier insulation was designed to protect astronauts from temperature extremes when working on the surface of the Moon, deflecting solar radiation and retaining body heat. The insulation was in the spacesuit worn by astronaut James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot, during Apollo 15 extravehicular activity.
What does the backpack do in a space suit?
A regulator in the backpack keeps the suit at the correct pressure. A fan circulates oxygen through the suit and life support system where the carbon dioxide that astronauts exhale is removed from the suit. The backpack provides electricity for the suit and holds a two-way radio for communication.
How does the back of a spacesuit work?
On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack. The backpack holds oxygen so astronauts can breathe. It also removes carbon dioxide that astronauts have breathed out. The backpack also supplies electricity for the suit. A fan moves the oxygen through the spacesuit. A water tank holds the cooling water.
What was the purpose of the Apollo space suit?
Unlike the other suits, the Apollo suits had boots made to walk on a rocky surface. The Apollo suits also contained a life support system, similar to the Portable Life Support Subsystem on the current suit. Having a life support system on the spacesuit allowed the astronauts to explore away from the lunar lander.
What do astronauts wear under their spacesuits?
Under the suit, astronauts wear another piece of clothing. It covers their body except for the head, hands and feet. Tubes are woven into it. Water flows through the tubes to keep the astronaut cool. On the back of the spacesuit is a backpack. The backpack holds oxygen so astronauts can breathe.