Spacecraft are vehicles designed to travel through outer space. They may be unmanned or manned and carry cargo or passengers.
As part of the SpaceTex experiment, astronauts tested clothing designed to manage heat and sweat during exercise in microgravity. These fast drying garments had antibacterial and deodorizing properties as well.
Spacesuits
Spacesuits (also known as Extra-Vehicular Activity suits) are more than just bulky coveralls – they simulate Earth-like pressure in a vacuum or microgravity environment, protecting astronauts from radiation exposure, temperature swings of 500 degrees and space debris while also removing carbon dioxide, providing water, oxygen, cooling cooling communication power as well as electrical support.
When people think of spacesuits, the image that comes to mind may be that of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon in 1969 – but they have changed significantly since then.
Most spacesuits are composed of flexible fabrics that facilitate movement. Additionally, they include an inner tube system to circulate chilled water to keep their wearer cool; this cooling garment can also serve as a helmet cover to cover an astronaut’s head and face. However, because their internal pressure may be lower than Earth’s atmosphere it requires some time spent breathing pure oxygen in order to avoid decompression sickness.
Underwear
Answering this seemingly basic query reveals just how deep textile industry involvement in human spaceflight runs. Not only are astronauts required to wear cotton polos and cargo shorts while aboard the International Space Station; each aspect of their attire from fire and bacteria resistance to fabric that helps regulate temperature during spacewalks must be carefully considered if humans wish to push forward into outer space.
Astronauts on the International Space Station must be ready for an array of activities, from conducting experiments and exercising to eating and sleeping. Most often they perform these tasks wearing clothing similar to what would be worn back on Earth; such as bras, panties and socks with long-sleeve shirts/pants for everyday wear as well as T-shirts/shorts specifically designed for working out.
As space limits do not permit astronauts to keep a daily supply of fresh undies on board, they often must share worn ones between missions. To reduce bacterial contamination risk, ESA and Vienna Textile Lab have joined forces to test processed textile finishes that contain small bacteria-killing molecules as well as test their performance against perspiration, radiation exposure and lunar dust simulation to see how well they hold up in spaceflight conditions.
Sweatshirts
Astronauts cannot wash their clothes in space, so to maintain hygiene they must wear clothing that is clean and hygienic. This includes no candy wrappers in pockets or dust from sitting, and fabrics which don’t produce lint – such lint can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment, so astronauts only wear pieces they deem clean enough.
Clothes designed for use aboard the International Space Station must not only be flame retardant, but also comfortable; quickly-drying and breathable fabric should absorb sweat quickly while providing antibacterial and deodorizing functions – something astronauts wore cotton underwear during early spaceflight missions.
Future designers could take advantage of weightlessness to design garments that offer otherworldly experiences, similar to Valentin Lebedev’s journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Achieving this would require isolating clothing from fabric, which would necessitate an additional layer.
T-Shirts
Though you may not have the budget for Heron Preston or Balenciaga space-branded clothing lines, there are still ways you can show your support for NASA without spending big. NASA logos can be seen all around us on t-shirts, sneakers and hats; its brand stands for more than just logos; it represents history and opportunity to become part of a great adventure!
One possible factor behind so many brands incorporating NASA logos on their clothing could be that it is free. Since NASA is a government agency, there are no licensing fees required to use its logo.
Companies looking to sell spacecraft apparel simply need to submit an email request and the merchandising department will ensure all requirements have been met, including making sure astronauts’ needs are being met by the clothing. For instance, if they want to offer something that addresses fingernail delamination caused by sweat pooling in spacesuit gloves, they will have to demonstrate they offer a solution before offering anything for sale.