Moon Machines Season 1 Episode 5 Spacesuits

Moon Machines is a six-part documentary series that explores the technology and engineering that made the Apollo missions to the moon possible. Each episode focuses on a different machine or system that played a crucial role in the space program. Season 1, episode 5, titled "Spacesuits," takes a deep dive into the design and construction of the space suits worn by the Apollo astronauts.

The episode opens with an overview of the importance of the space suit. It not only provides oxygen and temperature regulation for the astronauts but also protects them from the harsh vacuum of space. The narrator explains that the suits were custom-made for each astronaut, and we hear from several of them who describe the fitting process and how the suits felt to wear.

Next, the episode delves into the history of space suit development. We learn that the first space suits were developed by the Soviet Union in the early 1960s. However, the Soviet suits were too bulky and restrictive, making it difficult for their cosmonauts to move around. The United States then began its own research into space suit design, eventually leading to the creation of the Apollo suits.

The episode then introduces us to the team responsible for designing and building the Apollo space suits. We meet Jim McBarron, the head of suit design, and his team of engineers and seamstresses. McBarron explains that creating the suits was an incredibly complex process, as the team had to balance the need for protection from space with the need for mobility and comfort. He describes the many challenges the team faced and the innovative solutions they came up with.

We then see the process of constructing a space suit, with the help of seamstress Sharon McDougle. She explains that each suit was made up of multiple layers, each with a specific purpose, such as insulation, radiation protection, and pressure containment. McDougle demonstrates how each layer was carefully sewn together and fitted to the astronaut's body.

The episode also touches on the various technological advancements that were incorporated into the suits. For example, the suits were equipped with built-in radio systems and were capable of providing astronauts with oxygen for up to 7 hours. The suits were also designed to be as lightweight as possible, with newer models weighing only around 200 pounds.

Throughout the episode, we hear from various Apollo astronauts who share their experiences of wearing the space suits. They describe the feeling of weightlessness and the sensation of walking on the moon's surface while wearing the bulky suits. We also learn about the dangers that the space suits posed, such as the possibility of overheating or losing pressure.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the legacy of the Apollo space suits. We learn that the technology developed for the suits has been used in a variety of other applications, such as firefighter suits and medical equipment. The narrator emphasizes the importance of the space suit in enabling humans to explore the unknown, and its continued relevance in advancing technology and science.

Overall, "Spacesuits" is an engaging and informative episode that provides a fascinating look into the engineering and design behind one of the most iconic pieces of space technology.