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Why Do Astronauts Need Spacesuits?
Space is one of the most dangerous places imaginable! Without a spacesuit, an astronaut would face:
NO AIR: There is no oxygen in space. You would pass out in about 15 seconds.
EXTREME TEMPERATURE: In sunlight, it can be 250 degrees Fahrenheit (hotter than an oven!). In shadow, it drops to minus 250 degrees. That is a 500-degree difference!
NO PRESSURE: On Earth, air pushes on your body from all directions. In space, there is nothing pushing β your blood would start to boil!
RADIATION: Without Earth's atmosphere to protect you, harmful radiation from the sun would damage your body.
A spacesuit is basically a personal mini-spacecraft that keeps you alive!