Yes, some space suits do have zippers.
Space suit design varies depending on the mission and era, but certain historical models, particularly those used for early space programs and operations, incorporated zippers as a crucial entry and sealing mechanism.
Based on the provided reference:
These suits were individually tailored for the astronauts and were manufactured by ILC Industries, Inc. An astronaut got into the suit through a rear pressure-sealing zipper that ran from the upper back through the crotch.
This highlights that for certain suits, such as those made by ILC Industries for specific astronaut missions (like the Apollo program's Extravehicular Mobility Units - EMUs, or earlier suits), a pressure-sealing zipper was indeed a primary feature.
Key Aspects of Space Suit Zippers
- Functionality: The zipper serves as the main access point for the astronaut to get into the suit.
- Location: In some designs, as described, the zipper is located on the rear, running from the upper back down through the crotch area. This configuration helps manage the bulk of the suit and provides a practical entry point.
- Pressure Sealing: Crucially, these are not ordinary zippers. They are designed to be pressure-sealing. This means they create an airtight barrier when closed, which is essential for maintaining the internal pressure environment the astronaut needs to survive in the vacuum of space.
- Design Variation: While the reference specifies a rear zipper for certain ILC Industries suits, modern space suits or suits designed for different purposes (like launch and entry suits) might use different closure systems, potentially including specialized types of zippers, seals, or hatches.
Why a Pressure-Sealing Zipper?
Using a pressure-sealing zipper allows the suit to be opened and closed relatively easily compared to more rigid sealing mechanisms, while still providing the necessary integrity to hold pressure. This is vital for suit donning and doffing.
In summary, based on historical suit designs like those manufactured by ILC Industries as mentioned in the reference, space suits can feature pressure-sealing zippers as a key component for entry and maintaining the suit's internal environment.
