09. What is the crewlock? (A K2S Question)

From The Space Library

The crewlock, which is separated from the equipment lock by a hatch, is where spacewalkers open the outer hatch and actually begin their excursions into space. The crewlock was built as small as possible to minimize the amount of precious air lost from the ISS to space. Air loss is further reduced by pumping most of the air in the lock back into the ISS before the astronauts begin their spacewalk. Also there are gas tanks on the outside of the airlock that help replenish any air lost. The final act in this hours-long drama is opening the hatch. After a final check for leaks in their suits—spacewalkers are always checking for leaks—the remaining air in the crewlock—about 5 psi is vented overboard through a valve on the outer hatch. All hatches on the ISS operate manually, so EVA-bound astronauts—those preparing for an extra vehicular activity—must open the door themselves before they carefully make their way out into space.

---

Answer provided by Russell Romanella

Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer

Buy This Book Click here