Creating the Suit

Although the Apollo spacesuits were on the cutting edge of technology at the time, problems still arose...

While astronauts explored the moon they ran into issues that made the mission difficult.

• Lunar Dust Contamination - Lunar dust is thin like flour but is actually made up of microscopic jagged edges. This can be dangerous for the suit as it can fit into the smallest of spaces and do damage the suit materials.

• Materials Limited Reuse and Shelf-life of Spacesuits and Components - The Apollo spacesuits were customized specifically for each astronaut who wore them. This meant that the suits were not reusable for missions unless the same astronauts went up. The components of the suit were made for safety, not sustainability. Which means that the suit would not stand the test of time.

• Rubber Subject to Reversion - Rubber played a big part in the safety of the suit. It sealed the different components of the pressure layer, connected tubes and wires, and kept the astronaut at the right temperature. But the rubber reacted to other materials in the suit and started to break down and disintegrate after a certain period of time.

• Astronaut Discomfort during Activities (Hands and Feet) - After completing a moon or spacewalk astronauts complained of discomfort in their hands and feet. Having the thick protection garments made mobility difficult. Walking and picking up items was much trickier after getting tired during a long mission.