Spacesuits are not just clothing; they are essentially personal spacecraft designed to protect astronauts in the harsh environment of space. There are two main types of spacesuits, each with specific purposes and distinct colors: orange and white. The colors are not random choices, but rather, they are carefully selected for very important reasons related to safety and functionality.

space suits

Orange Suits: The Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES)

The orange suit, officially known as the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES), is worn during the launch and landing phases of a space mission. It is often referred to as the “pumpkin suit” due to its bright orange color. The specific shade of orange used is called International Orange, which is highly visible against various backgrounds, particularly the blue of the sky and the sea. This high visibility is critical for search and rescue operations in the event of an emergency during launch or landing.

These suits are not designed for spacewalks but are full-pressure suits designed to protect astronauts from the effects of depressurization inside a vehicle. The ACES is equipped with various survival tools:

  • A parachute ripcord and a knife for cutting parachute cords.
  • A life raft that automatically inflates upon contact with water.
  • A survival kit that includes a radio, motion sickness pills, strobe lights, flare kits, and mittens.

White Suits: The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit

The white suit, known as the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit, is designed for spacewalks, also known as EVAs, outside of the spacecraft. These suits are bulkier than the orange suits because they have multiple layers of insulation and heavy protective fabric. The primary purpose of the white suit is to protect astronauts from the extreme conditions of space, including temperature variations, radiation, and the near vacuum.

The white color of the EVA suit serves two key purposes:

  • Reflection of Sunlight: White reflects the extreme heat of the sun, preventing astronauts from overheating. This is because a spacesuit is a thermal system designed to balance heat flow, reflecting solar heat and emitting excess heat produced by the astronaut and their equipment.
  • Visibility Against Space: The white color is highly visible against the black backdrop of space, making it easier to spot astronauts during spacewalks.

EVA suits also have a number of life support systems:

  • A water cooling system that recycles body sweat to regulate temperature.
  • A built-in drinking system.
  • An ample supply of oxygen, battery power, and a radio.
  • Small jet thrusters which can be controlled from the station with the help of a joystick, as a backup system, if the tether tears.

Why Not Other Color’s?

The specific color’s of orange and white are chosen for their unique properties related to visibility and heat management. Other colors do not offer the same advantages in terms of both visibility and heat reflection or emittance.

  • Orange is chosen for the ACES due to its high contrast against Earth landscapes, aiding in rescue operations.
  • White is ideal for EVA suits because it is the most effective color for reflecting sunlight and for visibility against the black expanse of space.

In summary, the colors of spacesuits are not arbitrary. The bright orange of the ACES ensures visibility during launch and landing emergencies, while the white of the EVA suit is essential for thermal regulation and visibility during spacewalks. These suits, far from being mere garments, are sophisticated pieces of technology that allow humans to explore the challenging environment of space.

← Previous
Next →