Astronaut Luca Parmitan’s EMU experienced a near life threatening fluid leak during his space walk in 2013.
During his spacewalk, Parmitan reported feeling water in his helmet and behind his head. The spacewalk continued up until the water reached his face, making it difficult for him to see and breathe.
A photo of the EMU helmet worn by Astronaut Luca Parmitan filling up with water to recreate the leakage. (NASA, 2013)
At first, the leakage was thought to have occurred due to a malfunction in the drinking bag (not a very serious issue) but then after the astronaut reported otherwise, thrice, the spacewalk was terminated. A few of the key points raised during investigation of the event by NASA were as follows:
Parmitano had to warn controllers
During his spacewalk, Parmitan reported feeling water in his helmet and behind his head. The spacewalk continued up until the water reached his face, making it difficult for him to see and breathe.
A photo of the EMU helmet worn by Astronaut Luca Parmitan filling up with water to recreate the leakage. (NASA, 2013)
At first, the leakage was thought to have occurred due to a malfunction in the drinking bag (not a very serious issue) but then after the astronaut reported otherwise, thrice, the spacewalk was terminated. A few of the key points raised during investigation of the event by NASA were as follows:
Parmitano had to warn controllers