posted 11-15-2012 08:57 AM
Can an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) suit be used to walk on lunar surfaces?
I know the A7L and A7LB can be used, since they were used in Apollo.
kr4mula Member
Posts: 642 From: Cinci, OH Registered: Mar 2006
posted 11-15-2012 12:13 PM
The shuttle EMU has very limited mobility in the legs since (ironic, given the term) spacewalking actually requires very little walking, unlike being on the moon. Plus it wasn't designed for the lunar dust or thermal environment.
But in theory, the EMU is self contained and could be used on the moon, just not very well at all.
ilbasso Member
Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
posted 11-15-2012 12:41 PM
I imagine we'll see something similar to SAFER when we begin exploring asteroids. The gravity field is so low that astronauts will need some something to keep their feet on the surface or keep them from floating farther than they intend to if they jump.