Movement: Spacewalk is a challenging task for multiple reasons. Imagine fixing a bolt in a machine while remaining in water. That’s why astronauts practise spacewalks underwater in a large swimming pool near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The astronauts also practise by using virtual reality simulation). As moving in space is difficult, astronauts have their feet attached to a plate to allow them to carry out repair work or experiment with less difficulty.
Temperature: Despite the cooling system in the suit, it could be very hot or cold. Remember, the astronauts do not have the luxury of Earth’s atmosphere to protect themselves from direct sunlight. The temperature can soar in direct sunlight near the space station’s reflective surfaces, or plummet when the sun goes out of sight.
Space debris: The astronauts also risk being hit by space debris or micrometeoroid.
Decompression sickness or bends: Once in their suit, astronauts breathe only oxygen for several hours until all the nitrogen is out of their body. (You must be aware that when we inhale, we don’t take in just oxygen, but also nitrogen which is exhaled as it is by the body. Only oxygen in the air is taken into the blood stream, while other gases along with the CO2 are exhaled). During a spacewalk, nitrogen can cause gas bubbles to form in the body, which can lead to pain in joints such as shoulders, wrists and knees. This condition is called the bends or decomposers sickness.
Picture Credit : Google