Do-It-Yourself Podcast: Spacesuits

Use the Spacesuits background information to compare the harsh environment of space to how a spacesuit helps astronauts withstand these conditions. Follow the More About Spacesuits links to interactive features, image galleries and websites about spacesuits.

This module has audio or video clips of

• A NASA and a Russian astronaut demonstrating both the U.S. and the Russian spacesuits.
• Astronauts outside the station during a spacewalk.

1. Preview video clips, audio clips and images under Spacesuits Resources on your left. Download the ones you want to include in your podcast.
2. Write your script.
3. Record your narration.
4. Edit your podcast.
5. Share your podcast with the world.

When astronauts venture into space, they wear spacesuits for protection from the dangers of space. The large, white protective suits they wear during spacewalks outside their vehicles are like miniature spacecraft.

Just as a spacecraft has many functions, a spacesuit does more than just provide protection and oxygen. A battery supplies electrical power. A two-way radio lets spacewalkers communicate with the rest of the crew. Gauges and controls allow astronauts to be sure their suits are working correctly.

Spacesuits have changed a lot since NASA was founded in 1958. The first suits were metallic-silver pressure suits, similar to the ones that Navy pilots wore when flying at high altitudes. Spacesuits have been changed over the years to be more comfortable for astronauts and to meet new challenges as the missions in space changed. The current U.S. spacesuit worn during spacewalks is called the extravehicular mobility unit, or EMU. "Extravehicular" means outside the vehicle or spacecraft. "Mobility" means that the astronaut can move around in the suit.

The EMU works well for spacewalks outside the International Space Station. But as NASA goes beyond Earth's orbit and on to Mars, spacewalks will be different. Astronauts will use spacesuits more often. They will need to last longer. They will also need to be more flexible. Explorers will have to be able to move as freely as possible as they explore space outside Earth's orbit and climb the valleys and volcanoes of the Red Planet.