A highly advanced, fully equipped spacesuit provides vital support for the Shenzhou-19 crew aboard China's space station during their extravehicular activities (EVAs), ensuring operational efficiency and safety for the astronauts during their spacewalks.
Shenzhou-19 crew members successfully completed their third extravehicular activities (EVAs) at 20:50 (Beijing Time) on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
The extravehicular spacesuit they used, named Feitian, which means "flying into space", is the most important piece of equipment for spacewalk tasks. In addition to all the functions of an intravehicular spacesuit, it includes the features such as radiation protection, heat insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and ultraviolet protection, while ensuring reliable performance and telemetry communication.
Furthermore, the suit is equipped with a liquid cooling system to maintain thermal balance and a backpack-style life support system. These functions provide astronauts with appropriate atmospheric pressure, sufficient oxygen, and optimal temperature and humidity during their extravehicular activities.
"The extravehicular spacesuit is more intricate than the spacesuit worn inside the spacecraft. It has more layers to meet the demands of spacewalks. In addition to ensuring a proper pressure differential which helps astronauts survive in space, the suit also includes a system to regulate temperature effectively," said Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation.
The second-generation "Feitian" extravehicular spacesuit, currently used by Chinese astronauts, weighs about 130 kg and costs around 30 million yuan (about 4.14 million U.S. dollars) per suit.
Two astronauts spent more than seven hours outside the space station to complete a series of tasks during the Shenzhou-19 crew's third spacewalk. Considering the long duration of these extravehicular missions and the great physical exertion involved, the spacesuit is designed with built-in provisions for food and water to ensure the astronauts' energy supply during their extravehicular tasks.
"The astronaut helmet is equipped with a drinking tube on one side, allowing them to drink when they're thirsty. On the other side, there is a compartment for food energy bars, tailored to the mission's requirements. These provisions are typically designed to provide high-calorie, high-energy sustenance to help the astronauts maintain their strength during the spacewalks," said Yang.
Well-equipped spacesuits safeguard Shenzhou-19 crew in extravehicular activities
