• Question: Why are spacesuits so big?

    Asked by Angel to Andrea, Charlie 🚀, Col Op, Kirsty on 22 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Kirsty Lindsay

      Kirsty Lindsay answered on 22 Jun 2016:

      Spacesuit have lots of layers and this makes them quite chunky; there are layers to protect the astronaut from the cold and heat, to cool them down, to keep the air in, keep the micro-meteorites out, provide power and oxygen- the suits are really little spacecraft that are people shaped.

    • Photo: Columbus Operations

      Columbus Operations answered on 22 Jun 2016:

      I can just echo what Kirsty said: The fabric itself has lots of layers for protection. Then the backpack is full of life support systems – heaters/coolers, oxygen containers, batteries for the helmet lights, drinking water, etc.

      It’s also not easy to put them on! Usually you need someone to help you out, unlike in most hollywood movies.

    • Photo: Andrea Boyd

      Andrea Boyd answered on 23 Jun 2016:

      There’s a lot of things to fit inside to keep the astronaut alive! They are like a mini space station!!

      http://www.space.com/21987-how-nasa-spacesuits-work-infographic.html

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