What is a Spacewalk?

A spacewalk, formally known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA), is when an astronaut leaves the confines of a spacecraft to work in the vacuum of space. Imagine a deep-sea diver exiting a submarine to repair its hull or collect samples—spacewalks are similar, but instead of water, astronauts face the harsh environment of space.

Why Are Spacewalks Necessary?

Spacewalks are essential for:

  • Assembly and Maintenance: Building and repairing structures like the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Scientific Experiments: Installing or retrieving experiments exposed to space.
  • Rescue and Emergency: Addressing unexpected issues, such as fixing a damaged solar panel.

Real-World Analogy

Consider a mechanic fixing a car on a busy highway. The mechanic must wear protective gear, use specialized tools, and follow strict safety protocols. Astronauts, similarly, wear spacesuits, use tethered tools, and meticulously plan each movement.

The Spacesuit: A Personal Spacecraft

A spacesuit is like a miniature spacecraft. It provides:

  • Oxygen Supply: For breathing.
  • Temperature Control: Space temperatures can swing from -250°F to +250°F.
  • Protection from Micrometeoroids: Like a biker’s helmet, but for high-speed space debris.
  • Communication Systems: To stay in contact with mission control.

Example: The EMU Suit

The Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is the standard NASA suit. It has multiple layers, a hard upper torso, and a backpack for life support—comparable to a mountaineer’s gear for Everest, but designed for zero gravity.

Planning and Execution

Spacewalks are choreographed months in advance:

  • Training: Astronauts practice underwater in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), simulating weightlessness.
  • Checklists: Every step is documented, like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist.
  • Teamwork: One astronaut works outside; another assists from inside the station. Ground control monitors every move.

Story Example

In March 2021, astronauts Kate Rubins and Victor Glover conducted a spacewalk to upgrade the ISS’s solar arrays. The operation required precise coordination, as the panels were delicate and the tools had to be handled with gloved hands, much like a surgeon performing a complex procedure.

Risks and Challenges

  • Radiation Exposure: Spacewalks increase exposure to cosmic rays.
  • Suit Malfunction: A tear or leak could be fatal.
  • Fatigue and Dexterity: Spacesuits are bulky; simple tasks become exhausting.
  • Loss of Tools: Tools must be tethered, or they could drift away forever.

Artificial Intelligence in Spacewalks

AI is now used to:

  • Monitor Astronaut Health: Predict fatigue or suit malfunctions.
  • Optimize Task Scheduling: Minimize time spent outside the spacecraft.
  • Analyze Video Feeds: Detect anomalies in real-time.

Recent Research

A 2022 study published in npj Microgravity (Kanas et al., 2022) explored AI-driven monitoring systems for astronaut health during EVAs, showing that machine learning algorithms can predict physiological stress and recommend interventions, improving safety and efficiency.

Common Misconceptions

1. Spacewalks Are Routine and Safe

Reality: Every spacewalk is high-risk. Even minor equipment failures can be life-threatening.

2. Astronauts Float Freely

Reality: Astronauts are always tethered. Untethered movement is extremely dangerous and rare.

3. Spacesuits Are Comfortable

Reality: Spacesuits are stiff and heavy. Astronauts often experience fatigue and joint pain.

4. Spacewalks Are Quick

Reality: Most EVAs last 6–8 hours, with extensive preparation and recovery time.

Controversies

1. Gender and Suit Design

In 2019, NASA had to cancel an all-female spacewalk due to the lack of appropriately sized suits. This sparked debate about inclusivity and the need for customizable suit designs.

2. Cost vs. Benefit

Spacewalks are expensive and risky. Some critics argue that robotic missions could replace many human tasks, reducing risk and cost.

3. Environmental Impact

Discarded equipment or accidental releases during spacewalks contribute to space debris, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

A Story: The Lost Tool Bag

During a 2008 spacewalk, astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper lost a tool bag worth $100,000. The bag floated away and orbited Earth for months before burning up in the atmosphere. This incident highlights the importance of meticulous planning and the unpredictable nature of working in space.

Real-World Example: Drug Discovery with AI

Artificial intelligence, initially developed for space applications, is now revolutionizing drug and material discovery on Earth. For example, DeepMind’s AlphaFold (Nature, 2020) uses AI to predict protein structures, accelerating the development of new medicines—showing how space technologies benefit everyday life.

Summary Table

Aspect Spacewalks Real-World Analogy
Preparation Months of training Pilot pre-flight checks
Suit Miniature spacecraft Mountaineer’s gear
Risks Radiation, suit failure Deep-sea diving
Tools Tethered, specialized Mechanic’s toolkit
Duration 6–8 hours Marathon surgery
AI Role Health and task monitoring Smart wearables

References

  • Kanas, N., et al. (2022). “AI-driven monitoring for astronaut health during EVAs.” npj Microgravity, 8, Article 36. Link
  • “AlphaFold: AI-powered protein structure prediction.” Nature, 2020. Link
  • NASA. “Spacewalks and Extravehicular Activity.” Link

Common Misconceptions Recap:

  • Spacewalks are not routine or safe.
  • Astronauts are always tethered.
  • Spacesuits are uncomfortable.
  • Spacewalks require extensive time and planning.

Controversies Recap:

  • Suit sizing and gender inclusivity.
  • Cost versus human risk.
  • Space debris from lost equipment.

AI Impact Recap:

  • Enhances safety and efficiency in spacewalks.
  • Drives innovation in drug and material discovery on Earth.