Ever imagined yourself stepping out of a spacecraft,
you know, into the vast emptiness of space?
It's a thought that sends shivers down your spine, isn't it?
It's just incredible.
The daring, the ambition.
Those spacewalks, truly a testament
to what humans can achieve.
Exactly.
When astronauts leave the safety of their vessel
and venture out there into the unknown, it's extraordinary.
So today, we're diving deep into the history of spacewalks.
From those first tentative steps to the complex operations
we see today.
It's going to be quite a journey.
And it's not just about exploration, right?
Oh, absolutely not.
Spacewalks have been absolutely vital for building
and maintaining crucial infrastructure up there.
Think about the International Space Station, the Hubble
Telescope.
Imagine trying to assemble something
as complex as the ISS without ever setting foot outside.
Wow.
It's mind boggling.
It really highlights the crucial role of spacewalks,
something I think a lot of people might overlook.
So welcome to Cosmos in a Pod, our space and astronomy series.
Now, when we talk about spacewalks,
we're not exactly talking about a leisurely stroll
in the park, are we?
No, no, no.
Not at all.
It's a carefully choreographed, incredibly risky undertaking.
What kind of challenges are we talking about?
Well, astronauts face extreme temperatures, radiation,
and even the threat of those micrometeoroids.
Micrometeoroids.
Tiny, high-speed particles that can
cause some serious damage.
It's really a testament to human ingenuity and bravery
that we've been able to overcome these challenges
and actually make spacewalks a reality.
I think that's what makes it so captivating, isn't it,
that we push those boundaries?
Absolutely.
So let's go back to the very beginning.
Who took those first daring steps
into the vacuum of space?
That honor goes to a Soviet cosmonaut, Alexei Leonov,
back in 1965.
His mission, Voskhod 2, saw him spend 12 minutes
outside the spacecraft.
12 minutes.
That's all it took to change history forever.
It really is a pivotal moment.
Imagine being the first human to ever float freely in space.
I can't even fathom what that must have felt like,
both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
Oh, I'm sure it was a mix of emotions.
But I've heard those 12 minutes weren't
without their challenges.
You've done your research.
Well, a little bit.
Leonov's suit actually inflated unexpectedly.
What?
Why?
Well, due to the pressure difference, of course,
it made it incredibly difficult for him
to get back into the airlock.
Oh, no.
He had to manually release pressure from his suit.
That sounds risky.
A very risky move.
It really showed incredible composure under pressure.
Talk about a high-stakes situation.
Yeah.
It's amazing how they managed to overcome
these unforeseen problems.
But the US wasn't far behind, were they?
Not at all.
Just a few months later, Ed White
conducted the first American spacewalk.
During the Gemini floor mission, he actually
used a handheld gas gun to maneuver.
A gas gun.
Wow, that must have been quite a thrill.
He described the experience as the most exhilarating moment
of his life.
I can only imagine.
And it's fascinating to see how quickly this technology was
advancing, even in those early days.
Makes you wonder what those pioneers would think,
if they could see the complexity of modern-day spacewalks.
It's amazing to think about, isn't it?
It is.
How far we've come.
Yeah, it's like they were paving the way.
They really were.
For those giant leaps for mankind, so to speak.
Speaking of which, the Apollo missions and the moonwalks
are iconic moments in human history.
Absolutely.
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin
became the first humans to walk on the moon during Apollo 11
in 1969, it captured the world's imagination.
A true testament to human ambition, technological prowess.
And of course, the power of international collaboration.
Without a doubt.
I bet it must have been an incredible feeling
to actually witness that event unfold in real time.
Oh, can you imagine being glued to the television,
watching those grainy images?
It was a moment that defined a generation.
And over six Apollo missions, astronauts
conducted 12 moonwalks.
That's right.
What were they doing out there on the lunar surface?
Well, they were gathering lunar samples,
deploying scientific instruments,
conducting experiments.
This is really laying the groundwork
for future exploration.
Absolutely.
And all while working in an environment
vastly different from anything we experience here on Earth.
I bet.
The moon's gravity is much weaker than Earth's, right?
How did they adapt to moving and working
in such a unique environment?
Well, it was a challenge, to say the least.
Their spacesuits had to be redesigned
to allow for greater mobility.
And the astronauts themselves had
to learn new ways of walking, running, even falling.
Falling.
It took a lot of ingenuity and adaptation to make it all work.
It's mind boggling to think about the level of detail
involved in these missions.
It really makes you realize every step in space
exploration builds upon the lessons learned
from those who came before.
Absolutely.
Each mission, each spacewalk adds to our understanding
of what it takes to operate in this unforgiving environment.
So it's a legacy of innovation, courage, and a constant drive
to push the boundaries of human potential.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
So after the Apollo era, what happened next
in the evolution of spacewalks?
Oh, the space shuttle era.
I saw some incredible advancements.
In 1984, the Manned Maneuvering Unit, or MMU,
allowed astronauts to freely float in space
without being tethered to the spacecraft.
Now, that sounds like true freedom in space,
like something out of a science fiction movie.
It really was a game changer, enabling a whole new level
of mobility and freedom.
So what were some of the key missions where the MMU played
a crucial role?
Well, one of the most memorable was the repair of the Hubble
Space Telescope in 1993.
Astronauts used the MMU to maneuver around the telescope
and correct a flaw in its optics.
So it was the MMU that helped save Hubble.
It played a crucial role, demonstrating
the importance of human intervention in space.
Even with our advanced technology,
sometimes it takes a human touch to solve
those complex problems.
Absolutely.
And speaking of complex projects,
the construction of the International Space Station
must have relied heavily on spacewalks.
Oh, without a doubt.
Between 1998 and 2011, hundreds of spacewalks
were needed to assemble and maintain the ISS.
Hundreds.
Imagine coordinating all those moving parts,
installing solar panels, modules,
scientific instruments.
It was a monumental undertaking.
Truly a testament to international collaboration.
It makes you wonder, with all these advancements,
what are some of the milestones that stand out in recent times?
Well, for one, the ISS requires ongoing maintenance
and upgrades.
So astronauts are constantly conducting spacewalks
to keep everything running smoothly.
It's like a never-ending construction project,
but in space.
Wow, that's incredible.
And what about records?
Is there a record for the longest spacewalk?
There is.
That record belongs to NASA astronauts Susan Helms
and James Voss, who conducted an EVA lasting
eight hours and 56 minutes.
Eight hours.
During an ISS mission in 2001, can you
imagine being outside for that long?
That's longer than most work days.
Exposed to the harshness of space,
it's hard to fathom the level of endurance and focus
that must have required.
But it's not just about duration, right?
Were there any other milestones, maybe
in terms of diversity in space?
Absolutely.
In 2019, we saw the first all-female spacewalk.
Really?
NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Maier
conducted an EVA without a male crew member.
That's amazing.
A historic moment.
It marked a significant step towards gender equality
in space exploration.
Yeah, a powerful symbol of progress.
It makes you wonder what other firsts are waiting to be
achieved in the future of spacewalks.
It's an exciting time, that's for sure.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves,
let's take a closer look at the technology
that makes all of this possible.
What exactly goes into a spacesuit?
What tools are used to work in zero gravity?
That's a great question.
Let's dive into the nuts and bolts
of these incredible feats of engineering in part two
of our deep dive.
All right, so let's talk spacesuits.
Yeah, it's more than just a suit, isn't it?
Oh, it's practically a personalized spacecraft.
It's mind blowing when you think about it.
Yeah.
Everything it has to provide.
Absolutely.
From breathable air to protection
from those micro meteoroids.
Exactly.
The current model, the Extravehicular Mobility Unit,
or EMU, it's a marvel of engineering.
The EMU.
And its primary function, life support.
OK, so break that down for me.
How does it actually keep an astronaut alive out there?
Well, first, you've got a constant supply of oxygen
systems to remove carbon dioxide, just like our own
atmosphere here on Earth.
Makes sense.
Then you have temperature regulation,
keeping the astronaut comfortable,
despite those extreme temperatures in space.
I can imagine.
It can swing wildly from one extreme to the other.
Oh, absolutely.
And what about those micro meteoroids
we talked about earlier?
They sound terrifying.
Well, they can be.
That's why the EMU has multiple layers of protection,
almost like a suit of armor.
Oh, wow.
But unlike a rigid suit, it has to be flexible enough
for the astronaut to move around and use tools.
That's got to be quite the design challenge.
Balancing that protection with mobility,
how do they achieve that?
It all comes down to the materials and the construction.
The suit is pressurized, which helps
maintain the astronaut's body shape and allows for movement.
But the materials themselves have to be durable enough
to withstand that pressure difference
and any potential impacts.
So it's like a high-tech balloon,
but incredibly strong and flexible.
A good analogy.
And let's not forget about the helmet.
Oh, the helmet's crucial.
It has a visor to protect against the intense glare
of the sun.
And of course, it houses communication systems.
So they can talk to the crew and ground control.
Exactly.
So they're never truly alone out there.
That's reassuring.
Now, what about the tools they use?
I can't imagine trying to handle a wrench in zero gravity.
It's definitely a learned skill.
I bet.
The tools are specially designed to function in microgravity.
You've got things like power drills, wrenches, even
specialized cameras.
All adapted for that unique environment.
And I imagine it takes a lot of practice
to get used to working with those tools.
Oh, absolutely.
Astronauts train extensively in simulated microgravity
environments to become proficient.
So it's like learning to walk all over again.
In a way, yes.
Everything from gripping tools to moving around
has to be relearned.
Fascinating.
And I imagine safety is absolutely paramount.
Of course.
How do they make sure astronauts don't just drift away?
Oh, tethers are essential.
Tethers.
Strong cords that connect the astronaut to the spacecraft.
Providing that lifeline back to safety.
Exactly.
And they practice procedures for retrieving an astronaut who
might become untethered.
It's good to know they have those protocols in place.
We've covered the space suit, the tools.
But I know spacewalks are still inherently risky.
Where's some of the biggest challenges they face?
Even with all this advanced technology.
Well, one of the major challenges
is simply the physical strain of working in a pressurized suit.
It puts a lot of stress on the body,
leading to fatigue and muscle soreness.
So it's like running a marathon in a heavy suit.
A good comparison.
And then there's the mental strain too, right?
Oh, absolutely.
If you're in a hostile environment, acutely aware
of the risks, and performing these complex tasks,
it takes incredible focus and resilience.
They truly are a special breed.
These astronauts, we talked about the dangers of space
itself.
But are there risks related to the equipment as well?
Of course.
A space suit malfunction.
Right.
A tether breaking.
Even a dropped tool.
Yeah.
Any of those things could have serious consequences.
Yeah.
That's why rigorous testing and backup systems are so critical.
It's that constant balance, isn't it?
It is.
Between pushing the limits of exploration
and ensuring the safety of those venturing into the unknown.
A delicate balance indeed.
But let's shift gears a bit.
What does the future hold for spacewalks?
Any exciting developments on the horizon?
Yeah, I'm curious about that.
Well, for starters, NASA's Artemis program
is developing new space suits designed specifically
for lunar exploration.
Oh, wow.
So a new generation of space suits.
Exactly.
For a new era of exploration.
They'll need to be even more mobile
and offer better protection against the unique challenges
of the moon's environment.
That's exciting.
And then there's the ultimate goal, right?
Mars.
Designing space suits for Martian conditions.
It's a whole other ballgame.
With its dust storms.
Yes.
Thin atmosphere.
It's going to be a major undertaking.
A huge challenge for engineers.
But the rewards could be extraordinary.
Martian spacewalks.
Wow, I can only imagine what challenges and discoveries
await us there.
It's going to be incredible.
But aside from the space suits, are there
other innovations that could change the face of spacewalks?
Oh, like what?
Well, one area that's generating a lot of interest
is the development of robotic assistants.
Robotic assistants.
So like robot buddies helping astronauts during spacewalks?
Exactly.
They could assist with tasks.
OK.
Provide extra support.
Even venture into areas that are too risky for humans.
That sounds like something straight out of science fiction.
It does, doesn't it?
It would be a huge step forward in terms of safety
and efficiency.
Absolutely.
And as robotic technology advances,
it's becoming more and more feasible.
But there's an even more futuristic concept
that's being explored.
Even more futuristic.
OK, I'm all ears.
Imagine a space suit that operates independently
without direct human control.
Autonomous space suits.
Wow, that's mind blowing.
So like a self-driving car, but for spacewalks.
A good way to think about it.
They could perform dangerous tasks,
like repairs on satellites or exploration
of hazardous environments without putting
astronauts at risk.
That sounds incredible.
But I bet there are a lot of challenges to overcome.
Oh, absolutely.
It's still in the early stages of development,
but the potential is enormous.
It could revolutionize how we approach space exploration.
It really could.
It's a fascinating field to keep an eye on.
From those first hesitant skeps.
Just a diff.
Yeah.
Into the vacuum of space.
To the idea of robots and self-operating suits,
it's remarkable.
It really is.
And it just speaks volumes about our innate drive
to explore, doesn't it?
That's at the heart of it, I think.
That push to go beyond what we know.
To constantly challenge ourselves.
To discover what's over the next horizon.
Absolutely.
Spacewalks are a perfect embodiment of that.
They really are.
They've played such a vital role in shaping
our understanding of space from those early days.
Just proving it could be done.
To the intricate work on the ISS.
And looking ahead, they're going to be even more crucial.
In what ways?
Think about NASA's Artemis program.
With its goals of establishing a sustainable presence
on the moon.
Right.
Spacewalks are going to be fundamental to that.
Building habitats, conducting research,
exploring the lunar surface.
It's going to be a whole new era of lunar exploration.
Made possible by those venturing out into the void.
And then, of course, there's the ultimate goal.
Mars.
The challenges of Martian spacewalks will be immense.
Oh, without a doubt.
Or the reward could be equally extraordinary.
Imagine.
Astronauts walking on the red planet, collecting samples.
Maybe even finding evidence of past life.
It's mind boggling.
It truly is.
Yeah.
But beyond the scientific advancements,
I think it's important to consider
the philosophical implications of these endeavors.
What have we learned about ourselves?
About humanity through spacewalks?
Well, for me, they reaffirm that we are at our core explorers.
That innate curiosity, that desire
to push beyond the familiar.
It's woven into our very being.
And spacewalks are a testament to that spirit.
And they also highlight the importance of collaboration,
right?
It takes a global effort, a coming together
of brilliant minds, to make these missions possible.
From the engineers who design those suits in spacecraft,
to the mission control teams, to the astronauts themselves,
it's a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
Towards a common goal.
Like the International Space Station.
Exactly.
A perfect example of that international cooperation.
It really is.
And amidst all the technological marvels,
the scientific discoveries, there's
also that element of sheer wonder, wouldn't you say?
Absolutely.
That awe-inspiring moment of seeing a human being floating
in the vastness of space.
Tethered to our planet by a thin cord.
It's a powerful image.
It puts things in perspective.
It does.
It reminds us of our place in this immense universe.
And it can spark a sense of responsibility, too.
Oh, so.
A recognition of the fragility of our planet.
Right.
And the need to protect it.
It's a perspective that can change you, I think.
It can.
Make you appreciate both the vastness of what we don't know
and the preciousness of what we do.
It's a beautiful paradox, isn't it?
It is.
And it can inspire us, too.
To dream bigger.
Imagine a future where humanity ventures beyond Earth,
exploring new worlds, perhaps even encountering
other intelligent life.
The possibilities are truly limitless.
They are.
It's a future filled with both challenges
and incredible potential.
And spacewalks will continue to be
a vital part of that journey.
Absolutely.
They represent the very essence of exploration,
of pushing boundaries, of reaching for the unknown.
Beautifully said.
Each spacewalk, from Leonov's first tentative steps,
to those that will one day take place on Mars,
they all contribute to this grand narrative
of human endeavor.
It's a story that's still being written.
And we're all, in a sense, participants.
We are.
Well, it's been an incredible journey today,
exploring the history, the technology,
and the future of spacewalks.
A true testament to human ambition, ingenuity.
And our enduring fascination with the cosmos.
Absolutely.
And who knows what incredible feats await us
in the decades to come.
It's an exciting time to be following space exploration.
If you've enjoyed this deep dive into the world of spacewalks,
be sure to follow Cosmos in a pod for more explorations
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