New generation Russian armor armor

Previously and now Russians are always leading in space. The best cosmic armor was made in Russia, at the Zvezda production facility. The latest achievement - Orlan-MK armor is almost a revolution. This outfit has some outstanding features.

Currently, only Russia and the United States have armor manufacturing technology used to step out into space. Although the mission for American and Russian armor is the same, the two sides have different solutions.

That explains the fact that for more than two years the flight team on the International Space Station (ISS) still uses Orlan. The problem is that American armor is intended for half a year of work. American designers derive from calculations that when the crew stays long in the universe, those armor are periodically brought back to earth to maintain. But because the US shuttles had problems, all astronauts had to switch to wearing Russian suits.

Orlan is calculated to be able to use well in orbit for 4 years. In those sets, just replace oxygen tanks, absorbing boxes and replenish the amount of water stored. In addition, adjusting the Russian kit is suitable for any body size that is simpler than the US set. The advantage of Orlan is that the astronaut wears medium and no place is pressed. Astronauts can wear it themselves without help. To do this he just needs to step through the lid at the back of the armor. This lid is also a backpack containing equipment to ensure life for astronauts.

Meanwhile the American armor consists of 2 parts connected at the waist. It takes two people to wear it, as people wear iron armor in the Middle Ages, and spend more time on it. American experts decided to mimic the idea of ​​making a cap-style like those of Russian colleagues: American armor used for interplanetary flights would follow the same principles as Russia.

Orlan-MK is the 5th version of the Orlan series. Its main difference compared to Orlan-M, currently used on ISS, is the computer. The new Orlan is Russia's first armor equipped with computers. That makes the armor very 'autonomous', in addition, this feature is shown when worn. The armor will then indicate which systems to control, in what order before stepping out into space, and when the astronaut has left the station, it will regularly inform the operation status. of all systems in armor. When a non-standard situation occurs (such as reduced pressure in the armor, increased oxygen consumption .), the computer immediately informs the astronaut (information displayed on the board and has an audio signal) and how to recommend action. The computer is located in the right half of the chest section, allowing the display board to always be right in front of the eyes.

A new detail of Russian technicians is the jet system to save astronauts when separated from the ship. It is a frame with 16 small gas engines, with automatic stability system and control panel. Normally that system is not used. In this respect, it can be compared to the parachute jumping chair. The pilot can fly all his life without using that chair. This system is also for rescue in emergency situations. The rescue system, as well as the armor, is better than the American equivalent. In necessary situations, the astronaut's life depends on how quickly he reorientes and uses the life-saving buoy.

It is expected that the first rescue systems will be put into orbit when the regular flights of US shuttles are reestablished: now when the delivery of all shipments to ISS is undertaken by Russia, every kilogram is very precious. Orlan-MK will be used on ISS in 2007 when the Orlan-M sets are being used up.