Ruimtewandelingen

Ruimtewandelingen, also known as extravehicular activities (EVAs), are the excursions astronauts take outside their spacecraft while in space. These activities are essential for tasks that cannot be performed inside the pressurized environment of a spacecraft, such as repairing or upgrading spacecraft systems, deploying scientific instruments, or conducting spacewalks for research purposes.

The term "ruimtewandeling" literally translates from Dutch to "space walk." During a ruimtewandeling, astronauts wear specialized spacesuits that provide life support, including oxygen, temperature control, and protection from the vacuum of space, micrometeoroids, and radiation. These suits are essentially miniature spacecraft, designed to keep the astronaut safe and functional in the harsh environment of space.

The first human ruimtewandeling was performed by Alexei Leonov of the Soviet Union on March 18, 1965, during the Voskhod 2 mission. Since then, numerous ruimtewandelingen have been conducted by astronauts from various space agencies, most notably during the Apollo missions to the Moon and on the International Space Station (ISS).

Tasks performed during ruimtewandelingen are meticulously planned and rehearsed. Astronauts often work in pairs, tethered to the spacecraft for safety. The duration of a ruimtewandeling can vary significantly, from a few hours to several hours, depending on the complexity of the mission. These excursions are critical for the maintenance and advancement of human space exploration.