Spacewalking: A Grueling Task - Insights from Ex-NASA Astronaut Cady Coleman

Historical Context: Space exploration has always been a challenging and dangerous endeavor. The first American spacewalk was performed by astronaut Ed White on June 3, 1965, during the Gemini 4 mission. Since then, spacewalking, or extravehicular activity (EVA), has been a critical component of space missions, allowing astronauts to conduct repairs, perform scientific experiments, and assemble structures in space. However, the task remains fraught with difficulties and risks, as highlighted by former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman in her new book, “Sharing Space.”

Main Text: Walking in outer space is an arduous and perilous task, according to former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman. In her book “Sharing Space,” Coleman elaborates on the numerous challenges astronauts face when donning the cumbersome spacesuits and during their time in the vacuum of space.

Coleman, who stands at five foot four inches, had to adapt to the ‘one-size-fits-all’ spacesuits, which are primarily designed to fit male astronauts. NASA discontinued the smallest size of its spacesuits in 2003, making it even more difficult for smaller astronauts. Coleman humorously noted that she could have ‘done a hula dance inside’ the modern spacesuits, which weigh over 50 kg on Earth due to gravity.

Operating within these suits is challenging even when they fit perfectly, and the stakes are incredibly high, as the ability to perform tasks while in the suit is literally a matter of life and death. NASA currently has 12 different sizes of spacesuits, none of which are custom-fitted, and it takes at least 30 minutes to get into one.

Coleman, who spent six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), also revealed that astronauts wear diapers inside their spacesuits as a precaution during spacewalks, which can last over six hours. The interior of the spacesuit is equipped with sweat absorbers and extra cushioning to protect astronauts from hard edges.

Contrary to the glamorous depiction in the movie “Gravity,” Coleman described the experience as painful, with her arms and legs often covered in bruises from getting in and working in the spacesuit. She likened herself to an ungainly Egyptian mummy rather than the sleek image portrayed by Sandra Bullock.

Looking ahead, Axiom Space is developing new spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis moon missions. These suits will be worn by astronauts, including women, who will walk on the Moon. Coleman hopes that these new suits will fit them ’like a glove.’

Summary:

• Spacewalking is a challenging and dangerous task.
• Cady Coleman discusses the difficulties of using ‘one-size-fits-all’ spacesuits.
• NASA discontinued the smallest size of spacesuits in 2003.
• Modern spacesuits weigh over 50 kg on Earth.
• Astronauts wear diapers inside spacesuits for long spacewalks.
• The interior of spacesuits includes sweat absorbers and cushioning.
• The experience is painful and often results in bruises.
• Axiom Space is developing new spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis missions, aiming for better fit, especially for female astronauts.