Artemis Generation Spacesuits Hands-on Activity

Introduction

During spacewalks, astronauts face many hazards such as radiation, dust, debris, and extreme temperatures. Spacesuits designed for extravehicular activities (EVAs) regulate temperature, provide the proper pressure for the body, and supply astronauts with water to drink and oxygen to breathe. NASA has partnered with commercial companies to develop new suits to be worn on spacewalks for the International Space Station and Artemis missions. These spacesuits will include several new features and technological advances to keep crew members safe and healthy while working in the harsh vacuum of space.

In this activity, students will research previous generations of NASA spacesuits and then develop their own spacesuit prototype.

Time Needed: 90-180 Minutes

Materials List

Ensure that students have: 

• • Device with internet access, OR fact sheet handout for research
  • Scratch paper and writing utensils
  • Astrobiology Habitability Cards
  • #SuitUp for Safety Graphic
  • Model/mannequin
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Tape
  • Paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Construction paper
  • Colored duct tape
  • Clear film
  • Felt
  • Tinfoil
  • Fabric
  • Plastic cups

Safety

Ensure that students:

• • Practice safe cutting techniques when building their spacesuits.
  • Avoid moving around the room with scissors.
  • Take care when using adhesives.

Activity Procedure

Group students into teams of three to four. Explain to students that they are NASA prototype designers and engineers and are being asked to construct a spacesuit prototype for future missions. Share the “#AskNASA | What are the Next Generation Spacesuits?” video.

Explain to students that this activity will focus on spacesuits designed for EVAs. Their goal is to develop a spacesuit that can be used on future missions involving various hazards. Before designing a new spacesuit, they must understand the features of spacesuits from previous NASA programs.

Allow each student to choose a NASA program from this list: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, International Space Station, or Artemis. Each student on the team should choose a different program, researching the features of spacesuits from their program choice. Students may use the following resources to help guide their research:

• • Spacewalk Spacesuit Basics
  • What Is a Spacesuit?
  • What Is a Spacewalk?
  • STEMonstrations: Spacewalk, Parts 1 and 2
  • Spacesuit Collection at Space Center Houston
  • Spacesuit Gallery
  • Walking in Space Gallery

Once students have completed their research, have them compare and contrast the different spacesuit features from each NASA program within their teams.

Discovery

Explain to students that understanding the features of spacesuits used during previous NASA missions is important for planning and developing future spacesuits. Now that they have discussed previous NASA program spacesuits, it is time to introduce the Next Generation spacesuit. Share the following videos:

• • Keeping Cool in Space
  • Spacesuits for the Next Explorers

Have the students discuss the following questions with their teams, drawing conclusions from the videos and their own research. Then come together as a group to discuss their conclusions. Remind students that these are important ideas to consider when developing a spacesuit:

• • Material: What would a spacesuit be made of to help preserve the life of an astronaut? How has it evolved over time?
  • Oxygen: How are astronauts able to breathe in space and on other planets?
  • Communication: How are astronauts able to communicate with each other and mission control on Earth in case of an emergency?

 Demonstration

Now that students have a comprehensive understanding of the necessary aspects of a spacesuit, they can begin designing their own prototype. First, have each team use the Astrobiology Habitability Cards to choose a distant planet or moon that could potentially be explored.

Have students pick two “fast facts” hazards and brainstorm ideas with their team to equip their spacesuits with technologies to mitigate the hazards to astronauts. Share the NASA Spacesuit Development video to help them brainstorm.

Allow teams to sketch their designs. Remind them to label the different parts of their spacesuits. If they run into issues, have them refer to the Spacewalk Spacesuit Basics page.

Have students identify the main components of their spacesuits and how those components help the astronauts to survive the conditions of the planet or moon they have chosen. Have students answer the following questions as a team:

• • What are the pros and cons of the added components?
  • What are similar components you would find on Earth?

Allow students to begin constructing their prototype. After they have completed their prototypes, have each team present to the rest of the group. Engage students with the following discussion questions:

• • Discuss the distant location you will explore and its hazards to human life.
  • How will your prototype design alleviate risks to NASA’s mission and the astronauts?
  • How did you mitigate and/or prevent challenges your team faced during the prototype design?
  • Optional: Share student results on social media using #NextGenSTEM. Be sure to include the module and activity name.

Career Connection

Designing the Artemis Generation spacesuits requires a team of people with diverse expertise and specialized skills working together. Below are just a few examples.

Materials Scientist/Materials Engineer selects the right materials for space vehicles, including spacesuits. These experts research, develop, and test advanced materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

Seamstress constructs the spacesuit with insight from designers and engineers to ensure it will protect an astronaut on an EVA.

Astrobiologist studies how living organisms can survive and adapt in space environments. They research the effects of microgravity, radiation, and other space conditions on human health and other life forms. Their work helps design spacesuits that will protect and support an astronaut on an EVA.

Other Resources

How to Draw Artemis: NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit
101 Spacesuit Infographic