Russian Spacesuits (Space Exploration) - Softcover

Abramov, Isaac P.; Skoog, Ingemar

Softcover

ISBN 10: 185233732X ISBN 13: 9781852337322

Publisher: Springer, 2003

Synopsis

This is the very first ‘inside story’ of a key part of the Soviet manned space programme, detailing the development of Soviet/Russian spacesuits. The authors, as participants in the programme, provide details of events, previously unknown in the West, including their technical development. These space suits were an important part of the many Soviet firsts in the space race – Yuri Gagarin’s flight, Valentina Tereskova, the first woman in space, the first space walk by Alexei Leonov, and the first transfer on orbit from one spacecraft to another.

All previous books on Soviet manned space flights focus on the spacecraft and cosmonaut teams. This book provides a total overview of the successful Soviet/Russian development of space suits and subsequent space walks from Vostok to MIR and ISS.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"It is an important contribution to the literature of manned space flight. The authors cover a lot of ground in this detailed book, from pre-space age high-altitude pressure suits to the Sokol and Orian suits used on present-day Soyuz/ISS missions. ... There are several appendices, including full-page photos and technical descriptions of each suit type ... . A first-rate book for anyone interested in the more technical aspects of space flight." (Liftoff, Issue 225, January-February, 2005)

"The book is intended as a documentary history of space suit development, and covers the suits designed for all phases of the Russian programme. ... the authors have thoughtfully provided an appendix giving a page of technical details and a photograph for some 30 different suits. For the serious student, there is also a bibliography, an index and a tabular summary of EVA statistics ... . it features a wealth of photos, diagrams detailing this - one must admit - rather specialised subject." (International Space Review, 2005)

"This is the story of Russian spacesuit design. ... The Russian authors are the very people who designed the spacesuits that made Russia the world’s leading space faring nation. ... This book tells the story of all the different Russian spacesuits, starting with the bright orange pressure suit worn by Yuri Gagarin and the first cosmonauts. ... Strongly recommended." (Brian Harvey, Astronomy & Space, June, 2004)

"This work is ... by some of the most instrumental figures in the development of Soviet/Russian EVA suits, scientists who designed the first space suit worn by Yuri Gagarin in 1961 ... . Each suit is carefully explained, and illustrated with a variety of photographs ... . This book is, in short a complete history of the development of Soviet/Russian space suits, unparalleled in detail and ease of understanding. This book is a must for anyone interested in space suit design and history ... ." (Laura Parker, AURORA, November, 2003)

"This is an excellent book and one that offers a wealth of data on a subject very little is known about. ... The book includes fascinating revelations of the suits intended to be used on the Soviet manned lunar program ... . There are also handy sections on ‘who’s who’ in Russian suit technology, and three appendix covering the statistical and technical data. Long overdue, this is a must for any space library ... ." (Dave Shayler, Spaceflight, Vol. 46 (3), 2004)

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 185233732X
• ISBN 13: 9781852337322
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 400