10 Really Amazing Things About Spacesuits

Here are 10 really amazing things about spacesuits.

The suits worn by astronauts as they zip and float through space are fascinating garments, and not just because they’ve been out there in the vast unknown.
Here are 10 really amazing things about spacesuits.
Number 10. They’re time consuming to put on. Donning one takes up 45 minutes, and even then the suit isn’t ready for out-of-module adventures. Wearers have to adapt to the lower pressurization in it, and that requires spending about an hour taking in pure oxygen.
Number 9. The suits are white for a very good reason. Just like here on Earth, the color helps fend off heat and keep the body cooler. The stakes are much higher in space, though, as there the sun’s rays can reach up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
Number 8. Spacesuits are unisex. The only difference in the ensembles worn by males and females is size.
Number 7. They’re made of steel and cement. Well, partially, anyway. Also involved are some neoprene-coated nylon, spandex, and high-strength composite materials. Those that can be sewn together are. Some, however, require stronger and more durable construction means.
Number 6. Dangerous malfunctions can occur. About 2 years ago, the helmet of an Italian astronaut out on a spacewalk began to fill with water, nearly drowning him. The cause was identified as a clogged filter, and the astronaut’s survival was attributed largely to his cool-headed handling of the crisis.
Number 5. The material has some serious heft. It’s comprised of 11 different layers. Combined, they measure nearly a quarter of an inch thick.
Number 4. Moon walking and spacewalking suits are different. The ones made for the Apollo missions had big boots designed especially for trudging around on the rocky lunar surface. Unlike those made for previous spacewalk-only endeavors, they also came equipped with internal life support systems, allowing for untethered exploration.
Number 3. NASA’s working on a new one. Among the prototype’s notable features are folds in the fabric that make mobility easier and a more durable upper torso area. There are also lighted patches, which are intended to help astronauts identify the other crewmembers.
Number 2. There’s a special waste compartment. Because bathrooms can be tough to come by in space, the suits contain a special receptacle that stores bodily waste.
Number 1. A temperature-control garment is worn beneath them. It looks like an old-fashioned union suit, but is actually a very advanced piece of equipment. Running throughout it are cooling tubes of water. They help maintain body temperature, even when the heat is in the triple digits.
What do you think is the most fascinating fact about spacesuits?