Thermal Regulation in Space Suits: An Outline to the Final Project by Ahmad Alraeesi

A space suit (or a Pressure Garment Assembly) is an air-tight anthropomorphic structure in

which an astronaut is protected from extreme range of temperatures, the near vacuum of space
and the micrometeoroid flux density that might be encountered in space. In this paper, along with
the different sources and sinks of temperature the capabilities of the space suit in terms of heat
removal and heat retention are discussed. The paper is divided into five sections as follows:
1. Introduction of the PGA
The NASAs website contains the capsule and milestones history wherein the different space
suits manufactured by ILC Dover Incorporation are explained in depth (ILC Dover Inc., 1994).
However, very recently Hodgson (2007) proposed a state-of-the-art space Chameleon Suit where
the PGA works in an adaptive fashion to minimize temperature-control hardware.
2. Heat Sources and their Concerns
During any extravehicular activity (EVA) in space, heat is mainly produced by two sources: the
astronaut; and his surroundings. Nunneley (1970) mentions that the heat stress experienced by
the astronaut occurs when the heat input to the body exceeds heat dissipation. Nabity et al.
(2008) suggested that these two heat sources can be sub-divided into the following heat sources:
heat of adsorption of metabolic carbon dioxide, the heat of condensation of water, heat removed
from the body by the liquid cooling system of the PGA, the heat load from the electrical
components and finally the incident radiation.
3. Heat Sinks and their Concerns
The base of the spacecraft is generally made of a strong material like titanium covered with
beryllium shingles (or fins) as it acts as heat sink by protecting the astronaut from too cold

temperatures (Cortright, 2012). The non-electronic equipment inside the spacecraft also acts as a
heat sink for the astronaut, especially if it is made of metal or some thermally conducting
material (Lomax and Webbon, 1990).
4. Heat Removal Systems
The Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment in the PGA is a close-fitting undergarment that
covers the body torso and limbs. It incorporates a network of fine tubing (with water flowing
inside) that is maintained in close contact with astronauts skin (Nyberg et al., 2001). Since face,
hands and feet show a strong vasoconstrictive response to cooling; these regions are cooled
locally by using thermal pads in gloves, boots and face masks (Nunneley, 1986).
5. Heat Retention Techniques
The best way for preventing heat removal in cold-temperature situations is by using a multi-layer
thermal insulation (Hodgson et al., 2001). In situations where the surrounding heat exceeds the
metabolic heat it is important to control the temperature in the liquid cooling loop (Anis and
Webb, 1971).
References
Nunneley, S. A. (1970). Water cooled garments: a review. Space life sciences,2(3), 335-360.
Annis, J. F., & Webb, P. (1971). Development of a space activity suit.
Nunneley, S. A. (1986). Design and evaluation of clothing for protection from heat stress: an
overview (No. USAFSAM-JA-86-34). SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE BROOKS AFB
TX.
Lomax, C., & Webbon, B. W. (1990). A Direct-Interface Fusible Heat Sink for Astronaut
Cooling (No. 901433). SAE Technical Paper.
ILC Dover Inc. (1994) http://history.nasa.gov/spacesuits.pdf

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