Putting on a spacesuit is a precise, multi-stage procedure essential for astronaut safety in space. The specific steps vary depending on the suit type, such as those used for spacewalks (Extravehicular Activity or EVA suits) or for launch and entry (Intravehicular Activity or IVA suits).
Essential Steps for Donning a Spacesuit
While specific suit designs differ, the general process involves preparing the body, entering the suit components, sealing the suit, and performing critical safety checks.
1. Pre-Suiting Preparations
Before entering the main pressure garment, astronauts wear specialized inner clothing. For strenuous activities like spacewalks, this includes a Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) and a Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG). The LCVG helps regulate body temperature by circulating cooling water through a network of tubes.
2. Entering the Suit
The method of entering the spacesuit's main body depends on its design. Some modern EVA suits allow the astronaut to enter through a hatch on the back, which then connects to the spacecraft or airlock. Other suit designs might require entry through the lower torso section.
Once inside the suit's main compartment, the astronaut must maneuver their body and limbs into the correct position. A key part of this process involves positioning the arms correctly within the sleeves and the head within the neck area. As highlighted in descriptions of spacesuit donning, astronauts must "get their arms up through here" (referring to the arm channels within the suit structure) and their "head will pop out of the top," aligning the head correctly for the helmet connection point. "And then at that point they're in the suit," meaning the core torso and limb sections are successfully donned and aligned.
3. Sealing and Assembly
After the astronaut is properly situated within the suit's torso and limbs, the suit is sealed. This involves closing and securing the entry hatch or zipper to create an airtight enclosure. The remaining components are then attached:
- Helmet: The helmet is securely fastened to the suit's neck ring, ensuring a pressure-tight seal around the head.
- Gloves: The gloves are attached to the suit's arm rings using specialized connectors that create airtight seals for the hands.
4. Suit Checks and Pressurization
With all components sealed, thorough checks are performed to ensure the suit's integrity and functionality. This includes verifying that there are no leaks and pressurizing the suit to its operational level (typically lower than standard atmospheric pressure but sufficient to support life). These checks are vital for astronaut safety in the vacuum of space.
Summary of Spacesuit Donning Process
| Stage | Purpose | Example Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Body temperature regulation, hygiene, comfort under suit. | Wearing LCVG, MAG. |
| Entry | Getting into the suit's main pressure garment (torso and limbs). | Entering through back hatch or lower section, maneuvering to get "arms up through here" and head positioned. |
| Sealing & Assembly | Creating an airtight environment for pressurization. | Closing entry points, attaching and sealing helmet and gloves. |
| Checks | Ensuring suit integrity and life support systems are operational. | Leak tests, suit pressurization, system checks. |
Putting on a spacesuit is a complex procedure that often requires assistance from ground crew or fellow astronauts to ensure every step is completed perfectly for the safety of the wearer in the extreme environment of space.
