Source: NASA

09-19-2008 15:47

Since Edward White's first spacewalk in 1965, the suits which astronauts have worn in order to leave their spacecraft have changed tremendously. The advances in technology have allowed the suits to become much easier to move and work in. Here are some examples:

Ed White's spacewalk

This image shows astronaut Edward H. White II during the Gemini 4 mission in June, 1965. This was the very first spacewalk made by an American. The astronaut is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. line to provide air and a 23-ft. tether line to keep him from drifting away from his spacecraft. Both lines were wrapped in gold tape to form a single, thick cord.

Apollo spacesuit

This image is from the Apollo 14 mission to the Moon. It shows astronaut Alan B. Shepard getting into his suit just before the launch on January 31, 1971. This is the same suit the astronauts wore while walking on the lunar surface. Don't forget your helmet, Alan!