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Apollo 11 spacesuit
Learn how synthetic materials in astronauts' suits help them survive the hostile environment of space
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space suit

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Apollo 11 spacesuit
Apollo 11 spacesuit Spacesuit worn by astronaut Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission (1969); in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.

A space suit is a specialized suit equipped with life-support provisions, making it possible for a wearer to survive in the vacuum of space. These suits are crucial for protecting astronauts from extreme temperatures, both the intense heat from solar radiation and the extreme cold encountered when a spacecraft is in shadow.12

Spacecraft and space suits use special insulation, air-conditioning, and heating units to maintain a stable internal temperature. Astronauts may wear orange suits during liftoff because the color stands out against the ocean, aiding in visibility. The first known use of the term "space suit" was in 1929.231

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  3. Artemis II: Top Questions

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