Space suits, also known as extravehicular mobility units (EMUs) or spacewalk suits, are specially designed garments worn by astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside of spacecraft or space stations. These suits provide astronauts with protection from the harsh environment of space, including extreme temperatures, vacuum, radiation, and micrometeoroids, while also supplying them with the necessary life support systems to survive and perform tasks in the vacuum of space. Here are some key components and features of space suits:

1. **Pressure Garment**: The pressure garment is the innermost layer of the space suit and is designed to maintain a stable pressure around the astronaut’s body, similar to the pressure experienced at sea level on Earth. This prevents the astronaut’s bodily fluids from boiling in the vacuum of space.

2. **Life Support Systems**: Space suits are equipped with life support systems that provide astronauts with breathable air, temperature regulation, and waste removal. This includes a supply of oxygen, carbon dioxide removal systems, cooling and heating systems, and a water system for drinking and cooling.

3. **Outer Shell**: The outer shell of the space suit, also known as the thermal micrometeoroid garment (TMG), provides protection from temperature extremes and micrometeoroids. It consists of multiple layers of materials, including insulating materials, reflective coatings, and durable fabrics.

4. **Helmet**: The helmet of the space suit is equipped with a visor that protects the astronaut’s eyes from solar radiation and glare, as well as from micrometeoroids and debris. It also contains communications systems, including microphones and speakers, for communication with mission control and other astronauts.

5. **Gloves**: Space suit gloves are specially designed to provide dexterity and protection for the astronaut’s hands while performing tasks in space. They are constructed from multiple layers of flexible materials and include built-in heating elements to prevent the astronaut’s hands from getting too cold.

6. **Mobility Joints**: Space suits are equipped with joints and bearings that allow astronauts to move their arms, legs, and torso to perform tasks and maneuver in microgravity. These mobility joints must provide flexibility and range of motion while maintaining a tight seal to prevent the loss of pressure.

7. **Tether Systems**: During spacewalks, astronauts are tethered to the spacecraft or space station using safety tethers and retractable reels to prevent them from drifting away in microgravity. These tether systems are integrated into the space suit and provide astronauts with mobility and stability while working in space.

Space suits are complex and highly engineered garments that undergo rigorous testing and development to ensure the safety and functionality of astronauts during extravehicular activities. They are custom-fitted to each astronaut and are tailored to accommodate their individual size, shape, and mobility requirements.

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