Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have prepared for a spacewalk. They tried on and adjusted the domestically produced "Orlan" spacesuits No. 6 and No. 7. This was announced by station commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov.
"Orlan" is a real single-person spacecraft. It is not like the "Sokol" emergency rescue suits.
The protective suit cannot be put on in the traditional way; one enters it through an open backpack. Once inside, the cosmonaut closes and seals the spacesuit.
The backpack contains all the main life support systems, including oxygen supply, cooling, and air purification. It also houses power supply and radio communication systems. The mass of "Orlan" is almost 120 kg; the cosmonaut moves in it only by arm strength.
While outside, he attaches 3 safety carabiners to the guide rails of the station's outer skin. This is necessary to ensure safety.
The "Orlan"'s attachments consist of a video recording system, lights above the cameras, and a light filter to protect against bright rays in the illuminated part of Earth's orbit. With the help of mirrors, the cosmonaut can see what is happening behind him.
On May 27, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and his colleague Sergey Mikaev will perform a spacewalk, while flight engineer Andrey Fedyaev will be on duty at the ERA robotic arm console. They will install equipment and retrieve the results of experiments conducted outside the station.
