Spacesuits: Physics + Culture = Same but different

One of the hallmarks of the Cold War period between the United States and the U.S.S.R., was the Space Race.  From the  successful launch of Sputnik 1 by the Russian side to the American moon landing, the race mirrored the geopolitical tensions between the two countries.  On April 11 the Fellows headed to the National Air and Space Museum where Cathy Lewis, Curator of International Space Programs and Spacesuits at the National  Air and Space Museum (NASM) was in charge of our afternoon. Her presentation,  “Culture and Aesthetics Meet Physics: Why Soviet and American Spacesuits Look Different” was a history-laden, informative look at space suits as an expression of national identity and political priority, seen through military, technological and scientific achievements.  She reminded the group that while the laws of physics dictate the fundamental elements of space suits, cultural beliefs and mores resulted in suits that are fundamentally the same, yet still unique and easily identifiable. What are those fundamental challenges that have to be addressed? They include dealing with the vacuum of space, the absence of heat radiation, unfiltered solar radiation, and fast traveling particles. Sealed rubber bladders, cooling garments, light reflective colors, and multilayered fabrics were basic solutions developed slightly differently on each side. Other differences? In the U.S. space suits 47 measurements were taken as spacesuits were built specifically for each astronaut,  whereas in Russia, a one-size-fits all approach dictated the physical range of cosmonauts.

Fellows then had the opportunity to handle the multi-layered fabric used in space suit construction , and in the protective “blankets” used on spacecraft as well as try on an astronaut’s glove.  The presentation was engaging, and included a lively question, answer and discussion before the group proceeded down into the exhibit area where Cathy continued her presentation.  Needless to say, none of he Fellows will view space suits in quite the same way.