How NASA Spacesuits Work: EMUs Explained (Infographic)

By Karl Tate
last updated

Many layers and systems combine to keep astronauts alive in the vacuum of space.
Many layers and systems combine to keep astronauts alive in the vacuum of space. (Image credit: Karl Tate/Space.com)

The Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) allows an astronaut to work outside a spacecraft for up to 7 hours. Russian and Chinese space agencies use different types of spacesuits. The EMU was manufactured by International Latex Corporation (ILC), with a life support system made by Hamilton Standard.

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Karl Tate
Karl Tate
Space.com contributor

Karl's association with Space.com goes back to 2000, when he was hired to produce interactive Flash graphics. From 2010 to 2016, Karl worked as an infographics specialist across all editorial properties of Purch (formerly known as TechMediaNetwork).  Before joining Space.com, Karl spent 11 years at the New York headquarters of The Associated Press, creating news graphics for use around the world in newspapers and on the web.  He has a degree in graphic design from Louisiana State University and now works as a freelance graphic designer in New York City.