What does it take to don a spacesuit and venture out on such a technical and dangerous mission?
Surprisingly, one of the main criteria (besides the years of astronaut training) is body size.
EVA capabilities blossomed during the era of NASAs space shuttle.
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Steven Moore
Space is a harsh environment.
Astronauts must also take steps to avoid decompression sickness, or the bends.
Its cold out there, be sure to wrap up warm (but not too warm).
NASA/AP
No one has died during an EVA, but there have been some close calls.
A week before his EVA, one of the water pipes in his spacesuit had sprung a leak.
Within an hour Luca had almost two liters of water in his helmet, leaving himstruggling to breathe.
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