US returns to Space - nice new uniforms!

[Nick]

NASA Astronauts are getting ready to launch into orbit aboard SpaceX new Falcon rocket. First time the US has done a manned launch in 9 years.

I have to say that those new space suits look a lot more like Hollywood than Cape Kennedy!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52788432

[zenrat]

Why do the pictures make me think of The Orville?

[Gondor]

The Falcon 9 has been built since 2010, the Dragon Capsule is the new part and only recently, been certified to carry crew.

Gondor

[Weaver]

I notice that Hurley(?) wears glasses: I wonder what happens if your glasses come off your head or slip inside a spacesuit when you can't open the visor? Commander Chris Hadfield has a hair-raising tale of the time his suit leaked water back into his helmet during an EVA and it got in his eyes: he basically had to feel his way back to the airlock blind.

[PR19_Kit]

I notice that Hurley(?) wears glasses: I wonder what happens if your glasses come off your head or slip inside a spacesuit when you can't open the visor?

Superglue.....................

[zenrat]

How tight fitting to the head are space helmets?
My motorcycle helmet is a close enough fit that it holds my specs firmly in place.

[Rheged]

I notice that Hurley(?) wears glasses: I wonder what happens if your glasses come off your head or slip inside a spacesuit when you can't open the visor?

Superglue.....................

Spot welding!   Also works well on persistent acne.

[rickshaw]

I notice that Hurley(?) wears glasses: I wonder what happens if your glasses come off your head or slip inside a spacesuit when you can't open the visor?

Superglue.....................

Gaarrrrhhhh! I hate superglue with a passion.  Everytime I use it, the parts end up sticking to me, rather than the model!  My fingers end up sticking together and it never works properly.  I've gone back to using Araldite.  Much safer all 'round.   

[Gondor]

How tight fitting to the head are space helmets?

Not very, certainly in the EVA suits that NASA use on the ISS and in the Shuttle when that was operational.

Gondor

[Hobbes]

the space suits are a SpaceX design.

[Weaver]

These do look more like motorcycle helmets than the traditional style of space helmet. Another thing is that there are not EVA suits: they're just for launch and recovery.

[Nick]

These do look more like motorcycle helmets than the traditional style of space helmet. Another thing is that there are not EVA suits: they're just for launch and recovery.

That was my assessment. These are flameproof suits as worn by racing drivers and pit crew. They look snazzy and will protect the wearer in the event of a flash fire, smoke and any knocks during emergency exit.

[Hobbes]

It also has to protect the astronaut if there's a loss of cabin pressure.

[Nick]

I've just found this article about the new SpaceX spacesuits. https://www.space.com/spacex-crew-dragon-spacesuits-explained.html

They are proper vacuum safe space suits!    But only for survival moments as they will use a dedicated suit for long EVAs.

Why do they look cool? They were designed by Hollywood costume designer Jose Fernandez who did Batman and Wonder Woman.

[Weaver]

Yes, that's right. An ascent and recovery suit only needs to be airtight for a limited time if the capsule loses pressure. It doesn't have to provide things like temperature control, micrometeorite protection, heating etc., However unlike an EVA suit, it does have to allow you to fly a spaceship for a decent length of time, which means thinnish gloves and better flexibility.