Similar systems have been used by Space Shuttle astronauts, and are currently used by International Space Station crews.

Lunar surface EVA times for the first four missions (Apollo 11 through 14) were limited to 4 hours, with oxygen stored at 1,020 pounds per square inch (7.0MPa), 3.0 pounds (1.4kg) of lithium hydroxide, 8.5 pounds (3.9 liters) of cooling water, and a 279 watt-hour battery. For the extended missions of Apollo 15 through 17, the EVA stay time was doubled to 8 hours by increasing oxygen to 1,430 pounds per square inch (9.9MPa), lithium hydroxide to 3.12 pounds (1.42kg), cooling water to 11.5 pounds (5.2 liters), and battery capacity to 390 watt-hours. [1]In February 1984, Bruce McCandless and Bob Stewart were the first to test-fly the MMU in space when they each ventured more than 300 feet from Challenger. (A photograph of the free-flying McCandless instantly became one of NASA’s most sought-after images.) Despite the risks of that untethered moment, McCandless took the test in stride. “I knew the laws of physics hadn’t been repealed recently,” he later said of his confidence in the MMU. Technologies being considered for application in future PLSSs include pressure swing adsorption (PSA), a process by which CO 2 can be separated from gas more efficiently, and through a repeatable process, as opposed to the current LiOH canisters, which become saturated with each use, and are limited to around eight hours. [4] By regenenerating the sorbent during EVA, the size and weight of the sorbent canister can be greatly reduced. PSA accomplishes this by venting CO 2 and water vapor into space. [5] See also [ edit ] Spacesuits similar to the Apollo suits were used on the Skylab space station. Like the Gemini suits, the Skylab suits connected to life support systems on the spacecraft via an umbilical. What Spacesuits Are Worn Today?

Apollo PLSS [ edit ] The interior of the Apollo PLSS Diagram of the A7L PLSS and OPS, with interfaces to the astronaut and the Lunar Module cabin The spacesuit consists of several pieces. The Hard Upper Torso covers the astronaut’s chest. The arm assembly covers the arms and connects to the gloves. The helmet and Extravehicular Visor Assembly are designed to protect the astronaut’s head while still allowing him or her to see as much as possible. The Lower Torso Assembly covers the astronaut’s legs and feet. The flexible parts of the suit are made from several layers of material. The layers perform different functions, from keeping oxygen within the spacesuit to protecting from space dust impacts. The MMU did prove itself as a satellite-rescue tool in November 1985, when astronauts Joe Allen and Dale Gardner piloted it to retrieve a pair of errant communications satellites. The air handling function of a PLSS is similar to that of a diving rebreather, in that exhaled gases are recycled into the breathing gas in a closed loop.

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But after the Challenger disaster in 1986, NASA re-evaluated shuttle missions, including spacewalks, and the MMU was deemed unnecessary. “It became pretty obvious that you didn’t need it,” explains Nelson. “The shuttle had such an amazing capability to fly right up to something, and it made more sense to just reach out and grab it, either with the [robotic] arm or just with a person, that the MMU became a really cool piece of technology that didn’t quite have a purpose.” What would you bring to space if you were going to orbit the earth for a week? Just remember that your big adventure would take place in zero gravity. So, that bag of chips should probably stay at home. Although, chasing pieces of Pringle around a space cabin sounds pretty fun. We aren't sure if NASA would allow that. Would you let us know if you find out?