INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
China's first batch of extravehicular spacesuits for its space station has set a record for their expected lifespan and continues to perform
reliably after the Shenzhou-19 crew completed their third extravehicular activity (EVA) on Friday.These spacesuits, named Feitian, which
means "flying into space," have exceeded the original design life of "15 uses within 3 years," according to the China Astronaut Research and
Training Center."One of the spacesuits has been used up to 17 times," said Liu Dongyue from the center.The Feitian spacesuits are the most
important piece of equipment for spacewalk tasks
In addition to all the functions of an intravehicular spacesuit, it includes 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 worn by Chinese astronauts, weighs about 130 kilograms and costs around 30
million yuan (about $4.14 million) per suit
During the Shenzhou-19 crew's third spacewalk, two astronauts spent over seven hours outside the space station, carrying out a series of
tasks. Given the extended duration and intense physical demands of extravehicular missions, the spacesuit is equipped with built-in
provisions for food and water to sustain astronauts' energy throughout their 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.(Cover via CCTVPlus)
