LAYER BY LAYER
How they support an astronaut’s life
DID YOU KNOW? Spacesuits protect the body from extreme temperatures between 120 and -156 degrees Celsius
1 VISOR
A thin layer of gold covers the spacesuit visor. This protects the astronaut’s eyes from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
2 PRIMARY TANKS
In space, astronauts breathe 100 per cent oxygen instead of the 20 per cent they would breathe on Earth. This removes nitrogen from the body, which can form life-threatening bubbles when exposed to space’s low pressures.
3 SECONDARY TANKS
Oxygen is circulated around the entire suit to keep the air pressure constant.
4 HARD UPPER TORSO
The central body is made from fibreglass. Modules such as the life-support pack attach to the torso.
5 COOLING UNDERGARMENT
Thin tubes are pumped with cool water that circulates this spandex undersuit to control an astronaut’s temperature.
6 BACKPACK LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEM
As well as housing oxygen tanks, this pack contains a radio and systems for removing carbon dioxide from an astronaut’s breath.
7 DISPLAY AND CONTROLS
This module at the front of the suit allows the astronaut to control the life-support pack. It also displays the pressure and oxygen levels.
8 HELMET
Breathable oxygen is delivered from the oxygen tanks into the helmet. This strong plastic shell protects the wearer against micrometeoroids, as well as ultraviolet and infrared radiation.