Space Zoo Patrol – Space Suits

By: Daniel Klopp, Director – Marketing & Business Development, ILC Dover

1. What is the name of the technology? 
   EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) Spacesuit. Examples of EVA spacesuits are the A7-L spacesuits worn by the Apollo astronauts who explored the moon, and the EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) spacesuits currently used for spacewalks from the International Space Station.
   IVA (Intra-vehicular Activity) spacecraft flight suits. Examples of IVA flight suits are the bright orange ACES (Advanced Crew Escape Suit) suits worn by the Space Shuttle astronauts, and the white flight suits currently worn aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon.

2. What does it do?

EVA spacesuits provide all the functions needed to sustain life in the harsh environment of space.  They are a small, personal spacecraft. The functions EVA spacesuits provide are:

1. 1. Air pressure to needed to maintain bodily fluids
   2. Oxygen to maintain metabolic function
   3. Thermal protection for the temperature extremes (both hot and cold) encountered in space
   4. Micrometeoroid protection against the high energy micrometeoroids encountered in space
   5. Radiation protection against the high-energy forms of electromagnetic radiation encountered in space

IVA flight suits provide protection to astronauts during the two most dangerous parts of a space mission – launch and re-entry.  These type suits are worn during launch and reentry of the spacecraft (and stowed while in orbit). These suits protect against emergency conditions (for example, loss of cabin pressure or cabin fire).

3. How does it work?

EVA spacesuits consist of many layers of different types of fabrics, and a metallic sub-structure (under the outer layers of fabric) to attach shoulder and waist bearings, along with the life support backpack and helmet bubble.  The life support backpack (known as a PLSS – portable life support system) includes oxygen bottles, CO2 scrubbers, pressure regulators, and temperature control systems.  Each layer of the spacesuit has a specific function, related to one or more of the 5 functions listed above.

IVA flight suits consist of several layers of different fabrics and are generally worn unpressurized (they only pressurize in case of a spacecraft cabin depressurization). They provide comfort in a seated, reclined position (that is, the seats of the spacecraft), and provide emergency protection in case of a spacecraft failure.

4. How is it better than the older technology?

EVA spacesuits in the future will be easier to re-size for different size & shape astronauts (future suits will be resized in orbit – no tools required).  In addition, they will provide more mobility and dexterity, and be lower mass (weight).

IVA flight suits in the future will be lower mass (weight) and more comfortable (particularly while seated in the spacecraft).

5. What classes should I take in school to work on this?

On the design & development side, most of our spacesuit engineers studied Mechanical Engineering in college.  Mechanical engineering requires a solid understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In addition to our mechanical engineers, we have several material scientists (chemists) who work on spacesuits.

On the manufacturing side, our sewers are experienced with sewing machines, heat sealing machines, and several other chemical processes. Our machinists are experienced with CNC (computerized numerically controlled) lathes and milling (precision cutting) machines.

6. Pictures