Former Astronauts Highlight Major Issue in NASA Artemis II Spacesuits

As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission, concerns about the spacesuits have surfaced. The new suits, known as Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Units (AxEMU), are reportedly heavier than their Apollo predecessors. This raises alarms among former astronauts regarding the potential impact on performance during lunar missions.

Concerns About Artemis II Spacesuits

Former astronauts have expressed significant issues regarding the design and weight of NASA’s new spacesuits. These suits are heavier and bulkier than the Armstrong spacesuits used during the Apollo missions. This poses concerns for astronauts who will be engaged in extravehicular activities (EVAs) on the lunar surface.

Impact of Weight on Lunar Missions

The AxEMU suits weigh over 300 pounds on Earth. While they will be slightly lighter on the Moon due to lower gravity, they exceed the original Apollo suits’ weight of 185 pounds. The added weight can lead to increased physical exertion during moonwalks, complicating the astronauts’ tasks.

• Greater physical stress due to heavier suits.
• Potentially exhausting EVAs lasting up to nine hours daily.
• Absence of a rover on Artemis III requires astronauts to carry all equipment manually.

Kate Rubins, a former NASA astronaut, highlighted that moonwalks would resemble “doing multiple marathons in succession.” She emphasized that even simple tasks become extraordinarily challenging with added weight.

Suit Features and Improvements

Despite the concerns about weight, the AxEMU comes with several advancements. These suits are designed for enhanced safety, better mobility, and a custom fit for astronauts. Key features include:

• Support for legs and increased upper mobility.
• Modular design for carrying tools.
• Rear-entry construction allows astronauts to don and doff the suit independently.

While these innovations aim to enhance performance, former astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt criticized the suit’s weight, suggesting a design that would prioritize mobility while reducing heaviness.

Navigating Challenges in Space Exploration

As NASA finalizes preparations for Artemis II, the implications of the AxEMU on astronaut performance remain a critical concern. With Artemis III set to follow, the agency faces the challenge of ensuring both safety and efficiency in its lunar missions. The ongoing debate over spacesuit design emphasizes the complexities involved in modern space exploration.