Design a Spacesuit

Image Credit: NASA

Today we will learn about the vacuum of space and how astronauts use spacesuits to protect themselves.

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Before we start, let’s reflect on these questions:

• How is life in space different from life on earth?
• How do spacesuits help with these differences?

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How is life in space different from life on earth?

• The earth is protected by an atmosphere. Air pressure from the atmosphere pushes on all matter on earth, including people!
• Space is a vacuum and does not have any pressure to push down on matter
• When matter used to pressure on Earth are out in space without protection, it’s a recipe for disaster!

Image Credit: NASA

Let’s visit Intrepid!

Press play on the next slide to travel to the Intrepid Museum and learn about the vacuum of space. As you watch, make predictions about what will happen:

• How does the vacuum change water?
• What will happen to a partially filled balloon versus an empty one?
• Was might the vacuum do to marshmallows?

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Let’s review what happened:

• Matter is made up of tiny particles called MOLECULES
• Water needs PRESSURE to be a liquid. Without pressure, the molecules are able to spread out and become a gas.

CREDIT: Florida International University

Components of a spacesuit

• The vacuum of space can be dangerous to our bodies, which is why we have spacesuits!
• Spacesuits provide oxygen, stable pressure, radiation protection, a comfortable temperature and protect astronauts from small objects that could hit you in space!

Image Credit: NASA

Components of a spacesuit

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Take a look at the infographic on the next slide and answer the following questions:

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• How does a spacesuit keep an astronaut safe?
• How does a spacesuit help astronauts do their job well?

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The USS Intrepid is an aircraft carrier that served from 1943-1974

Image Credit: NASA

The USS Intrepid is an aircraft carrier that served from 1943-1974

Image Credit: NASA

Designs of suits over time. Let’s see how they have changed and get some inspiration for our own designs! What do you notice? Why do you think some of the features you see were added?

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Image credit Smithsonian Institute

Spacesuit Inspiration!

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Mercury Program Spacesuits

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• 1959- Mark IV Spacesuit
• Originally designed by the U.S. Navy for pilots

Image Credit: NASA

Spacesuit Inspiration!

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Gemini Program Spacesuits

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• 1966- G4C Spacesuit

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• Designed to be comfortable and flexible.

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• Able to be worn floating in space, outside a space capsule.

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Image Credit: NASA

Spacesuit Inspiration!

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Apollo Program Spacesuits

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• 1969- A7-L Spacesuit

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• It weighs 81 pounds an Earth

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• Contains a “backpack” with air to breathe while exploring the Moon.

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Image Credit: NASA

Spacesuit Inspiration!

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Future- Artemis Program Spacesuits

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• 2019- xEMU Spacesuit

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• First spacesuit that fits both men and women

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• Better able to bend and twist while walking on the Moon.

Image Credit: NASA

Inside vehicles like the International Space Station, the environment is controlled by the spacecraft and astronauts get a chance to be spacesuit free.

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If the spacecraft was not pressurized to match the air pressure on Earth, spacesuits would absolutely be needed!

Image credit: NASA

Are spacesuits needed inside spacecraft?

Design your own Spacesuit

Follow the steps on the next slide to design a spacesuit using the following materials:

-Construction paper -Scissors

-Foam stickers -Crayons

-Tinfoil -Glue stick

-Origami paper -Rhinestones

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Visual Instructions

1. Think about what your astronaut’s job is. What kind of spacesuit will they need to do their job?
2. Cut large shapes out of construction paper or tin foil to make the large shapes of your spacesuit.
3. Glue these shapes on to your astronaut silhouette.
4. Add smaller details to your suit with origami paper, rhinestones, foam stickers or felt shapes.
5. Use crayons to put your final additions on your design and draw a background.

REFLECTION

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• What do you think it would have been like to create the first prototype spacesuits?
• What was the most interesting thing that you learned?
• What do you want to learn more about?

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

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NASA: What is a Spacesuit?

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The Seamstresses who Sewed Spacesuits (BBC)

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The Materials Used in Spacesuits (AZO Materials)

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