Space Walk
Astronauts need help to survive in space. They have to have an artificial environment to live in the shuttle. This gives the astronauts pressure, breathable air and correct temperature. Water and air pumps are found in the front part of the shuttle. 32,000 tiles and felt are used to control the temperature. When the astronauts leave the shuttle in space, they connect a portable life-support system to their space suit.
Astronaut Edward White was the first man to walk in space. He floated for 20 minutes and was able to take pictures to record his walk. He was able to look at Earth from 120 miles away. The Americans wanted to beat the Russians in getting a man to walk in space, and they did!
It takes about three hours to get ready to walk in space. The astronauts need to put on a pressurized space suit, which controls air pressure, temperature and oxygen. To leave the shuttle the astronauts put on portable life support system backpacks. Then they have to depressurize the cabin and open the hatch. After they descend the 9-rung ladder they have a tether to connect them to the shuttle.
Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut to walk on the moon on July 20, l969. Buzz Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later. This was a big step for the United States' space program.