The Spacesuit – poster – 17 x 11 inch and 34 x 22 inch

The spacesuit is an essential tool for a spacewalking astronaut. It acts as a personal spacecraft that keeps the astronaut safe while they perform tasks in space. Learn more about the different parts of the spacesuit in this infographic. 

Download a PDF version of this poster (11 x 17 inches, PDF, 2.26 MB).

Download a PDF version of this poster (34 x 22 inches, PDF, 7 MB).

  (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

NEW GEAR UNLOCKED: THE SPACESUIT 

Ready to perform a spacewalk, one of the most dangerous tasks for astronauts

Mission: Manually repair or install equipment on the International Space Station, while orbiting Earth every 90 minutes – at about 8 km/s (28,000 km/h)

Known dangers: Solar and cosmic radiation, micrometeoroid impacts, extreme temperature variations

OVERALL PRESSURIZED SUIT

• Takes 4.5 h to put on
• Contains integrated drink bag 
• Maintains life in space for up to 10 h (typical spacewalk = 6.5 h)
• Has parts to fit astronauts from 1.5 m to 1.88 m 

SPECIAL  FEATURES

HELMET

• Ventilation system for oxygen
• Lights to work in total darkness every 45 minutes
• Camera for ground controllers to follow the work
• Communication device with earphones and microphone 
• Coated sun visor to block solar rays 

ULTIMATE BACKPACK (Primary Life Support System)

• Oxygen tank
• Fan to ventilate the suit
• Battery to supply electricity    
• Warning system to monitor potential problems within the suit

GLOVES AND SLEEVES

• Tailor-made gloves 
• Molded fingertips for dexterity
• Small mirror on the wrist to look at control panel on chest
• Loops to hold tools 
• Checklist of tasks on left arm

UNDERGARMENTS

• Long underwear with cool water circulating in plastic tubing 
• Garment made of highly absorbent polymer to collect urine and transform it into solidified gel

SAFETY PROTOCOL 

• Astronauts must be secured with tethers. In case of accidental separation, astronauts rely on a propulsion system.