Page 280 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)

Living in space
Backpack containing
life-support systems

Pressure
helmet with
protective visor Keeping astronauts fit and healthy as spaceflights
have become longer and more complex is a

huge challenge, and has required considerable
inventiveness. And not only do astronauts

have to live and work in cramped
conditions, they also have to be kept
SPACE safe when they leave their spacecraft.

Controls for
Gloves lock life-support systems
onto suit
at wrists

Main suit in SPACE CLOTHES
two parts WOW!
that join The first astronauts wore
at waist protective spacesuits throughout
their missions but, by the All waste water on the
mid-1960s, safety improvements ISS is recycled by passing
and larger spacecraft allowed through a series of filters
White material them to spend most of their time and chemical reactions.
reflects sunlight It ends up cleaner than
and heat in more comfortable flight suits.
By the 1990s, the spacesuits worn our drinking water
by NASA astronauts for working on Earth.
Layered fabrics outside the Space Shuttle (left) had
trap air and
protect wearer developed into self-contained
personal spacecraft.

Astronaut Cady Coleman
washes her hair with a
water-saving shampoo.
KEEPING FIT
As missions have lengthened
from mere days to months,
it’s become more important to
keep astronauts in shape for KEEPING CLEAN
their return to Earth. Weightless Personal hygiene in space can be a
conditions in zero-gravity space problem—water is too precious to
weaken muscles and bones, waste and, if it is sprayed around, it
so astronauts take a variety forms weightless drops that interfere
of supplements and exercise with delicate electronic systems on
regularly, often using elastic board. Instead of showers, astronauts
straps to mimic the pull of gravity. use small pouches of liquid soap,
water, and “no rinse” shampoos.

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