Imagine floating hundreds of kilometers above Earth, with nothing but the vast blackness of space around you and our blue planet beneath your feet. This breathtaking experience is called a spacewalk—and it’s one of the most daring and important activities astronauts perform in space.
What Is a Spacewalk?
A spacewalk, also known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA), is when astronauts leave the safety of their spacecraft to work in open space. They may step outside a space station, a shuttle, or a capsule, attached only by safety tethers and protected by a special suit.
Why Do Astronauts Go on Spacewalks?
Spacewalks aren’t just for adventure—they’re essential for space missions. Astronauts perform them to:
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Repair and maintain spacecraft – Fixing equipment on the International Space Station (ISS) or satellites.
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Install new instruments – Adding solar panels, cameras, or scientific tools.
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Conduct experiments – Testing how materials behave in the harsh environment of space.
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Train for future missions – Preparing for deep-space exploration, like trips to the Moon or Mars.
The Spacesuit: A Personal Spaceship
Astronauts don’t just wear a suit—they wear a miniature spaceship. A spacesuit provides:
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Oxygen to breathe
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Temperature control (from -150°C in the shade to +120°C in sunlight)
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Protection from radiation and micrometeoroids
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Mobility and communication systems
Without this life-saving gear, surviving even a few seconds in space would be impossible.
How Long Do Spacewalks Last?
Most spacewalks last around 6–7 hours, though some can stretch longer depending on the tasks. The longest spacewalk so far lasted nearly 9 hours!
Challenges of a Spacewalk
Walking in space isn’t easy—it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in space missions. Astronauts face:
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Extreme temperatures – Shifting from cold to scorching heat.
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Zero gravity – Making every movement slow, careful, and tiring.
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Risk of drifting away – Astronauts are always tethered to avoid floating into space.
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Mental pressure – Knowing that one mistake could be life-threatening.
Firsts and Records
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First-ever spacewalk – Performed by Alexei Leonov (Soviet Union) in 1965.
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First American spacewalk – Ed White, also in 1965.
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First woman on a spacewalk – Svetlana Savitskaya in 1984.
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First all-women spacewalk – NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir in 2019.
Spacewalks are more than just history-making stunts—they are crucial steps in humanity’s journey beyond Earth. Every time an astronaut floats outside the spacecraft, they push the boundaries of human courage, science, and exploration. The next time you look at the night sky, remember: somewhere up there, astronauts may be walking in space, keeping our dream of exploring the universe alive.