What are the most dangerous aspects of space walks?

Question

I've heard more than once that space walks are really dangerous because the astronault is only connected the spacecraft by a small line and, if that line is somehow severed, the astronaut would be lost in space. This begs the question: why not just tether the astronaut with a stronger line or a backup? Is this a legitimate concern or are there other aspects of spacewalking far more dangerous?

Answer 1

I doubt our technology could MAKE a stronger tether--given the restraints (it has to be very flexible and stay that way in vacuum and in extremes of heat and cold). That's not a big risk. Besides, the astronauts always carry a small maneovering rocket (think of a really jazzed-up water pistol that fires a gas like CO2) plus other safety features.

There are other dangers--most of them minor: a) extreme temperature (-250 to +250 F)--but that's relatively easy to deal with with good insulation; b) micrometiorites--the suits have anouter layer to protect the astronaut. And the chances of one big enough to hurt them hitting is VERY small. I suppose it will happen eventually. But the odds of getting hit by a car are a LOT higher; c) radiation. Its relatively low near earth (the Earth's magnetic field stops most of it)--that's going to be a concern as we start making more trips away from the vicinity of Earth, though. NASA is working on shielding technologies now.

The biggest danger is a leak in the spacesuit--a tear, a puncture, anything. They have emergency patch kits--but if its a big enough hole, they could lose their air pressure efore they could stop the leak. So far, that's never happened--keep your fingers crossed.

Answer 2

Far more dangerous but they use techniques to reduce the bullet concept. A grain of sand traveling at 100,000 mph would put a hole in the suit and may hurt u. If u watch the space craft is as a shield for the space walk. The tether is not so critical unless something hits u and the power will drive u out in space ,the tethers are quite strong but all the plans of man Can fail.

Answer 3

dude, this isn't the 60's anymore, they use jetpacks with particle thrusters.