The Progress MS-30 spacecraft delivered the latest Orlan-MKS No. 6 spacesuit to the International Space Station on March 2, 2025. This is the first model equipped with a modern climate control system and a fully domestic LCD display for monitoring all life support parameters.
Orlan-MKS No. 6 replaced models No. 4 and No. 5, which had reached the end of their service life. This is the sixth representative of the legendary Orlan line, which began in the 1960s.
The first Russian spacesuits were named after noble birds — Berkut, Yastreb, Sokol. And the history of Orlan began with the unsuccessful Soviet lunar program, when engineers created a unique semi-rigid Krechet spacesuit. Although it never flew to the Moon, its technologies formed the basis of modern spacesuits for orbital stations.
The abbreviation MKS in the name stands for "modernized, computerized, synthetic." Orlan-MKS No. 6 is equipped with an innovative sealed shell made of a special material capable of withstanding extreme space temperatures from -150°C to +120°C. The automatic temperature control system of the spacesuit functions as climate control, maintaining a comfortable temperature for the cosmonaut by adjusting the water temperature in the cooling system.
The main feature of the new model is a domestic LCD display that shows all important parameters: temperature, pressure, tightness, and system charge. Testing the spacesuit for 50 parameters now takes only 30 seconds, and an audible alarm is triggered in any emergency.
Putting on the spacesuit has become easier — astronauts enter through a special hatch in the back, like in a mini-submarine.
Oleg Kononenko, the record holder for time spent in space, suggested several improvements: change the shape of the cuirass to a trapezoidal shape for ease of donning, add interchangeable sleeves for different heights and builds, and integrate video cameras directly into the helmet for better visibility. Kononenko also suggested equipping the spacesuit with an important detail in case of an emergency.
It is necessary to integrate a jet propulsion system inside the spacesuit to return the cosmonaut to the station in case of loss of contact with the ISS surface.
The Orlan-MKS No. 6 spacesuit is the result of more than 50 years of engineering development and research in the field of space technology.
It has high reliability and is capable of withstanding both deadly solar flares and micrometeorite impacts. Orlan provides protection against extreme temperatures and radiation, and also supports human life in a vacuum, making it an indispensable tool for working in outer space.
Read more related materials:
Новый скафандр «Орлан-МКС» №6: мини-космический корабль для выхода в открытый космос
Now on home
The reason for indexation may be inflation, an increase in VAT, and rising production costs
The Ministry of Industry and Trade believes that the increase in the levy will not affect responsible manufacturers
The crew accelerated the aircraft to 580 km/h instead of the cruising speed of 450 km/h
Ship equipment comes to Russia from China at inflated prices
Almaz-Antey and the Belarusian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for equipment maintenance
The complex's computing resources allow for the competent distribution of targets between launchers
Among the spacecraft are Aist-2T No. 1 and No. 2
Deputy Prime Minister Novak announced a postponement of the deadlines, but confirmed the commitment to developing the sector
Design engineers without experience are promised salaries from 80 thousand rubles
Hard and dense shot ensures the destruction of the target from the first hit, regardless of the drone's body material
Almost all body elements are zinc-treated
SOGAZ lost the case in court against UEC-UMPO