Question

Following Gemini, the Apollo program added a new dimension in spacesuit design because actual spacewalks, on the surface of the Moon, were now to occur for the first time. As with Mercury and Gemini space garments, Apollo suits had to serve as a backup pressure system to the space capsule. Besides allowing flexibility in the shoulder and arm areas, they also had to permit movements of the legs and waist. Astronauts needed to be able to bend and stoop to pick up samples on the Moon. Suits had to function both in microgravity and in the one-sixth gravity of the Moon's surface. Furthermore, when walking on the Moon, Apollo astronauts needed the flexibility to roam freely without dragging a cumbersome combination oxygen line and tether. A self-contained portable life-support system was needed.

The Apollo spacesuit began with a garment that used water as a coolant. The garment, similar to long johns but laced with a network of thin walled plastic tubing, circulated cooling water around the astronaut to prevent overheating. A multi-layered pressure garment was worn on top of the cooling suit. The innermost layer of this garment was a comfort layer of lightweight nylon with fabric ventilation ducts. On top of this was a layer of neoprene-coated nylon surrounded by a nylon restraint layer. This layer contained the pressure inside the suit. Improved mobility was achieved by bellow-like joints of formed rubber with built-in restraint cables at the waist, elbows, shoulders, wrist, knees, and ankles. On top of the pressure layer were five layers of aluminized Mylar for heat protection, mixed with four spacing layers of non-woven Dacron.
Above these were two layers of material for additional thermal protection and a non-flammable layer of Teflon coated in a fibrous cloth. The outermost layer of the suit was white Teflon cloth. The last two layers were flame resistant. In total, the suit layers provided pressure, served as a protection against heat and cold, and protected the wearer against micrometeoroid impacts and the wear and tear of walking on the Moon.

Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. How does the author develop the overall claim in this passage? The author includes details that show that the new spacesuit ______ in exploring the Moon.

Answer 1

The author shows that the new spacesuit was essential for Apollo astronauts to explore the Moon, with innovations for mobility, protection, and cooling systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author develops the overall claim in the passage by including details that show that the new spacesuit was critical in supporting the Apollo astronauts in exploring the Moon effectively. This was achieved through features like cooling systems to prevent overheating, multi-layered protection for various hazards such as temperature extremes and micrometeoroids, and innovations providing mobility for geological tasks.

Notably, the spacesuit had to function effectively in microgravity and the one-sixth gravity of the Moon's surface, allowing astronauts the flexibility to move, bend, and pick up samples. These capabilities were essential as the level of scientific exploration increased with each mission, demanding more elaborate equipment and longer times spent on the lunar surface.