China’s cutting-edge Feitian spacesuits are making waves in the space industry, setting new records and boosting the nation’s spacewalk capabilities. After the Shenzhou-19 crew completed their third extravehicular activity (EVA) on Friday, these advanced suits continue to perform reliably, surpassing all expectations.
Named “Feitian,” which means “flying into space,” these spacesuits have exceeded their original design life of “15 uses within 3 years,” according to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. “One of the spacesuits has been used up to 17 times,” revealed Liu Dongyue from the center, highlighting the durability and resilience of the suits.
The Feitian spacesuits are crucial for spacewalk tasks, packed with features like radiation protection, heat insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and ultraviolet protection. They also include a liquid cooling system to maintain thermal balance and a backpack-style life support system, ensuring astronauts have the right atmospheric pressure, enough oxygen, and optimal temperature and humidity during their missions.
“The extravehicular spacesuit is more intricate than the one worn inside the spacecraft,” explained Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. “It has more layers to meet the demands of spacewalks. Besides ensuring proper pressure differential to help astronauts survive in space, the suit also includes a system to regulate temperature effectively.”
The second-generation Feitian spacesuit, currently utilized by Chinese astronauts, weighs about 130 kilograms and costs around 30 million yuan (approximately $4.14 million) each. During the Shenzhou-19 crew’s third spacewalk, two astronauts spent over seven hours outside the space station, carrying out a series of tasks with the support of these suits.
Given the extended duration and intense physical demands of extravehicular missions, the spacesuit comes equipped with built-in provisions for food and water to sustain the astronauts’ energy. “The astronaut helmet is equipped with a drinking tube on one side, allowing them to drink when they’re thirsty,” said Yang. “On the other side, there’s a compartment for food energy bars, tailored to the mission’s requirements. These provisions are designed to provide high-calorie, high-energy sustenance to help the astronauts maintain their strength during the spacewalks.”
The record-breaking performance of the Feitian spacesuits marks a significant milestone in China’s space exploration efforts, showcasing the country’s advancements in space technology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight.
