To protect the astronaut from the dangers of space, a special piece of clothing was designed called a spacesuit. A spacesuit has many layers, each of which has a special purpose. The inner layer controls the temperature inside the suit. This is done by passing water through thin plastic tubing which is threaded throughout the whole garment. Depending on the temperature outside, hot or cold water is passed through the tubes regulating the temperature. The legs, including the boots are put on after the inner garment.

Next the ridge body section of the suit is clipped onto the waist ring of the lower section. It has a built-in Primary Life-Support System. This holds enough water and oxygen the enable the astronaut to carry out tasks for several hours. On Earth the backpack weights around 115 kg or 254 lbs, but in space, it of course weighs nothing due to the weightless conditions. Last of all, gloves and helmet are put on, they are also sealed by snap-rings so that the spacesuit is airtight. It takes many months for a spacesuit to be made. Each part must be tested thoroughly to ensure it will stand up the use it will receive in space. For working in space unattached to a spacecraft, astronauts are enabled to move independently using a Manned Manoeuvring Unit (MMU). This snaps onto the back of the life-support system. It lets the astronaut move around in space by firing gas jets. It is operated by the handgrips on the armrests.