The clothing worn by astronauts is made from multiple layers of super-durable fibers and other materials strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions of outer space.
The materials that constitute these 9 or 10 protective layers include high-quality fabric, a combination of Teflon and scratch-resistant Kevlar, an aluminum-coated Mylar film reinforced with Darcon canvas, Neoprene-coated nylon, Dacron fabric, polyurethane-coated nylon, a submerged polyurethane film, conductive nylon featuring multiple layers of metal fibers, and vinyl ethylene synthetic fabric that creates conduits for cooling water, along with a nylon silk lining for comfort.
However, the vacuum of space is not the primary threat to these fabric layers. A more immediate danger is the loss of atmospheric pressure inside the suit caused by a small puncture from a tiny meteorite, as well as exposure to extreme temperatures—either too high or too low—depending on the astronauts’ position on Earth, whether they are near or far from the sun.
The backpack worn on astronauts’ backs serves as a pressure maintenance system, providing breathable air and temperature control.
