China's Feitian Spacesuits Set New Milestones, Enhance Spacewalk Capabilities
China has achieved a milestone with its first batch of extravehicular spacesuits, known as Feitian, after the Shenzhou-19 crew successfully completed their third extravehicular activity on Friday. These spacesuits have not only set a record...
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China has achieved a milestone with its first batch of extravehicular spacesuits, known as Feitian, after the Shenzhou-19 crew successfully completed their third extravehicular activity on Friday. These spacesuits have not only set a record for their expected lifespan but have also proven to be dependable beyond initial projections.
According to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, the Feitian spacesuits were designed for “15 uses within 3 years,” but they have significantly surpassed this expectation. "One of the spacesuits has been used up to 17 times," noted Liu Dongyue from the center.
As the essential equipment for spacewalks, the Feitian suits incorporate various features that go beyond the capabilities of intravehicular spacesuits. They include radiation protection, heat insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and ultraviolet protection, while ensuring reliable performance and telemetry communication. Additionally, the suits come equipped with a liquid cooling system to manage thermal balance and a backpack-style life support system, which ensures that astronauts experience appropriate atmospheric pressure, adequate 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," explained Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation.
The second-generation Feitian extravehicular spacesuit currently in use weighs approximately 130 kilograms and costs around 30 million yuan per suit. During the Shenzhou-19 crew's third spacewalk, the two astronauts spent over seven hours outside the space station, engaging in a series of complex tasks.
Considering the intense physical requirements and prolonged duration of these missions, the spacesuit includes built-in provisions for food and water to help sustain the astronauts' energy levels.
"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," Yang added.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
According to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, the Feitian spacesuits were designed for “15 uses within 3 years,” but they have significantly surpassed this expectation. "One of the spacesuits has been used up to 17 times," noted Liu Dongyue from the center.
As the essential equipment for spacewalks, the Feitian suits incorporate various features that go beyond the capabilities of intravehicular spacesuits. They include radiation protection, heat insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and ultraviolet protection, while ensuring reliable performance and telemetry communication. Additionally, the suits come equipped with a liquid cooling system to manage thermal balance and a backpack-style life support system, which ensures that astronauts experience appropriate atmospheric pressure, adequate 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," explained Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation.
The second-generation Feitian extravehicular spacesuit currently in use weighs approximately 130 kilograms and costs around 30 million yuan per suit. During the Shenzhou-19 crew's third spacewalk, the two astronauts spent over seven hours outside the space station, engaging in a series of complex tasks.
Considering the intense physical requirements and prolonged duration of these missions, the spacesuit includes built-in provisions for food and water to help sustain the astronauts' energy levels.
"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," Yang added.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
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