You might think NASA has everything figured out for its Artemis missions, which aim to send astronauts back to the Moon. However, as Artemis II approaches its launch, some concerns are emerging, especially regarding the new spacesuits.
During a test flight, the Artemis II Orion craft revealed a troubling issue: its heat shield experienced damage. This led NASA to change its reentry path to ensure safety. Now, there’s also a significant concern about the new spacesuits. These suits are heavier and bulkier than the Apollo-era Armstrong suits, which raises questions about astronaut comfort and mobility on the lunar surface.
Former astronaut Kate Rubins, who teaches at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, emphasizes that the upcoming moonwalks will be physically demanding. Astronauts could be in their suits for up to nine hours while performing tasks like extravehicular activities (EVAs). Rubins likens the exertion from these activities to running several marathons in a row.
Why the Spacesuit Weight Matters
The new Axiom spacesuits, known as AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit), weigh over 300 pounds on Earth. Although they will feel lighter on the Moon due to its gravity (which is one-sixth of Earth’s), they are still heftier than the original Apollo suits, which weighed about 185 pounds. This extra weight means greater physical strain for astronauts, especially since they’ll have to carry equipment like a heavy life-support backpack and tools without the help of a rover during Artemis III.
Astronauts face not only the challenge of the suit’s weight but also their own body mass. Therefore, managing physical exertion effectively will be crucial. The AxEMU suits are designed for improved safety and durability. They feature a custom fit and a more mobile design, allowing astronauts to enter and exit the suits independently. However, as Harrison “Jack” Schmitt from Apollo 17 noted, he would have preferred suits that were lighter and offered more mobility.
With Artemis II launching soon, there’s a lot to watch for. NASA is already gearing up for Artemis III. The balance between safety, mobility, and comfort will be crucial as we venture further into space.
