Memory Alpha
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
57,147
pages
in: Memory Alpha pages needing citation, Clothing, Technology
English

Changes: Environmental suit

Back to page
Sign in to edit
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-. +. ))
Tag: apiedit
(38 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
   
 
== History ==
  
== History ==
−
During the launch of the ''[[Phoenix]]'' in [[2063]], the use of space suits seemed optional. [[Zefram Cochrane]] and his [[Geordi La Forge|co]][[William Riker|pilots]] did not wear any pressure or flight suits. He made history by making [[First Contact]] with an [[Vulcan|alien species]] after the ''Phoenix'' had ended its flight. ({{film|8}})
 +
During the launch of the ''[[Phoenix]]'' in [[2063]], the use of space suits seemed optional. [[Zefram Cochrane]] and his [[Geordi La Forge|co]][[William Riker|pilots]] did not wear any pressure or flight suits. He made history by making [[First Contact]] with an [[Vulcan|alien species]] after the ''Phoenix'' had ended its flight. ({{film|8}})
   
 
== 22nd century ==
  
== 22nd century ==
Line 11: Line 11:
 
In the [[2140s]], [[Vulcan]] EV suits were relatively large. [[Jonathan Archer]] once commented that the experience of wearing one was "like you're flying around inside your own little [[starship]]." ({{ENT|Breaking the Ice}})
  
In the [[2140s]], [[Vulcan]] EV suits were relatively large. [[Jonathan Archer]] once commented that the experience of wearing one was "like you're flying around inside your own little [[starship]]." ({{ENT|Breaking the Ice}})
   
−
In the middle of the [[22nd century]], [[Starfleet]] tested the new [[warp five engine]] in the [[NX Program]]. The test pilots of the [[NX-Alpha]] and [[NX-Beta]] starships used only unpressurized flight suits.
 +
In the mid-[[22nd century]], [[Starfleet]] tested the new [[warp five engine]] in the [[NX Program]]. The test pilots of the [[NX-Alpha]] and [[NX-Beta]] starships used only unpressurized flight suits. ({{ENT|First Flight}})
   
−
A new ''NX''-class EV suit was introduced as standard issue on the {{EnterpriseNX}}, the first ship of the new {{ShipClass|NX}}. These suits were copper colored with gray padding, and were comprised of several components.
 +
A new NX-class EV suit was introduced as standard issue on {{EnterpriseNX}}, the first ship of the new {{class|NX}}. These suits were copper colored with gray padding, and were comprised of several components. {{incite}} [[Military Assault Command Operations]] (MACOs) had [[MACO uniform and equipment#Environment suit|their own type of EV suit]]. ({{ENT|Anomaly}}, ''et al.'')
   
 
=== Helmet ===
  
=== Helmet ===
 
The design of the helmet allowed an almost normal field of view to the wearer. Though the vertical field of view was limited to eight degrees, the amount of room inside the helmet allowed the wearer to compensate by simply moving his or her head. The helmet had a clear visor integrated into the front that could not be opened separately. It featured two outside lights, one on either side, and two ambient lights inside to illuminate the wearer's face. When the helmet was sealed, the ambient lights would activate. A small earphone was attached to the helmet which the wearer could insert in his or her ear, making it possible to stay in contact with a ship or other space vehicle.
  
The design of the helmet allowed an almost normal field of view to the wearer. Though the vertical field of view was limited to eight degrees, the amount of room inside the helmet allowed the wearer to compensate by simply moving his or her head. The helmet had a clear visor integrated into the front that could not be opened separately. It featured two outside lights, one on either side, and two ambient lights inside to illuminate the wearer's face. When the helmet was sealed, the ambient lights would activate. A small earphone was attached to the helmet which the wearer could insert in his or her ear, making it possible to stay in contact with a ship or other space vehicle.
 
 
−
Located on the back of the helmet were the air hoses to the [[oxygen]] supply and an electrical connector for the light, communication, and propulsion units. The helmet connected to the life support and propulsion unit via a secondary connection ring and not to the EV suit directly. Padding within the helmet made sure the wearer could not touch the visor with his or her face.
 +
Located on the back of the helmet were the air hoses to the [[oxygen]] supply and an electrical connector for the light, communication, and propulsion units. The helmet connected to the life support and propulsion unit via a secondary connection ring and not to the EV suit directly. Padding within the helmet made sure the wearer could not touch the visor with his or her face.
   
 
=== EV suit ===
  
=== EV suit ===
Line 32: Line 32:
 
On the front of the unit, the following switches were present: communications, oxygen transfer, lighting and propulsion activation.
  
On the front of the unit, the following switches were present: communications, oxygen transfer, lighting and propulsion activation.
 
 
−
On the back were the incoming and outgoing oxygen connections. These hoses were fastened via a bayonet joint to prevent accidental release. Below one of the oxygen connections was an air supply indicator, divided into eight equal parts. This indicated the level of oxygen by means of color coding – green, yellow and red. In [[2154]], this air supply indicator was removed and replaced by an analog indicator on the right side of the LSPU. The back of the unit also contained an electrical cord, which transferred power and communications from the LSPU to the electrical connector at the back of the helmet.
 +
On the back were the incoming and outgoing oxygen connections. These hoses were fastened via a bayonet joint to prevent accidental release. Below one of the oxygen connections was an air supply indicator, divided into eight equal parts. This indicated the level of oxygen by means of color coding – green, yellow and red. In [[2154]], this air supply indicator was removed and replaced by an analog indicator on the right side of the LSPU. The back of the unit also contained an electrical cord, which transferred power and communications from the LSPU to the electrical connector at the back of the helmet.
   
−
The harness consisted of two leg bands that were connected to each other via a belt that was also used to hold small [[:Category:Tools|tools]] as necessary. The LSPU was secured to the harness at four attachment points to keep the unit in place.
+
The harness consisted of two leg bands that were connected to each other via a belt that was also used to hold small [[:Category:Tools|tools]] as necessary. The LSPU was secured to the harness at four attachment points to keep the unit in place.
  +
  +
{{bginfo|In the script for {{ENT|Fight or Flight}}, the belt was established as being [[magnetic]].}}
   
 
=== Gloves ===
  
=== Gloves ===
Line 43: Line 45:
   
 
=== Starship use ===
  
=== Starship use ===
−
On the {{ShipClass|NX}} starships, at least six EV suits were present. [[Senior officer]]s and some [[security]] personnel had their own suits, while the rest of the suits were shared for general use. ({{ENT|The Catwalk|The Crossing}})
 +
On the {{class|NX}} starships, at least six EV suits were present. [[Senior officer]]s and some [[security]] personnel had their own suits, while the rest of the suits were shared for general use. ({{ENT|The Catwalk|The Crossing}})
  +
  +
{{bginfo|A written description of exactly what happened when a 22nd century style of EV suit responded to a tear was written into the final draft script of {{e|Minefield}}. It stated, "''Two valve-rings built into the suit tighten above and below the tear, isolating the damage from the rest of the EV suit. At the same time, the suit material self-seals around the [tear].''"|In ultimately unused dialogue from the final draft script of {{ENT|The Xindi}}, [[Malcolm Reed]] regretted that he and Jonathan Archer had decided not to wear EV suits while visiting [[Unnamed Alpha and Beta Quadrant planets#Trellium mining planet|a particular planet]] in the [[Delphic Expanse]].}}
   
 
== 23rd century ==
  
== 23rd century ==
Line 54: Line 58:
 
=== EV suit ===
  
=== EV suit ===
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
−
File:EV Space Suit 2268.jpg|23rd century Standard Issue Federation EV Suit
 +
File:EV Space Suit 2268.jpg|23rd century standard issue Federation EV suit
 
File:Clark Terrell and Pavel Chekov in environmental suits.jpg|EV suit ca. 2285
  
File:Clark Terrell and Pavel Chekov in environmental suits.jpg|EV suit ca. 2285
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
Line 61: Line 65:
 
=== Thruster suit ===
  
=== Thruster suit ===
 
[[File:Thruster suit (detached).jpg|thumb|Spock in a thruster suit after detaching the thruster]]
  
[[File:Thruster suit (detached).jpg|thumb|Spock in a thruster suit after detaching the thruster]]
−
A '''thruster suit''' was an environmental suit, that could be equipped with a detachable [[thruster]] pack for use to travel short distances, and has been in use by among others Starfleet personnel at the [[Epsilon IX station]] as well as the [[Earth_spacedocks#USS_Enterprise_spacedock|drydock]] were the upgraded {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} was refurbished.
 +
A '''thruster suit''' was an environmental suit, that could be equipped with a detachable [[thruster]] pack for use to travel short distances, and has been in use among other Starfleet personnel at the [[Epsilon IX station]] as well as the [[Earth spacedocks#USS Enterprise spacedock|drydock]] where the upgraded {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} was refurnished.
   
−
A short time later, [[Spock]] utilized such a suit with a thruster unit, when entering and exploring the ''[[V'Ger]]'' entity in the early [[2270s]]. [[James T. Kirk]] subsequently used a thruster suit to retrieve Spock. ({{film|1}})
 +
A short time later, [[Spock]] utilized such a suit with a thruster unit, when entering and exploring the ''[[V'ger]]'' entity in the early [[2270s]]. [[James T. Kirk]] subsequently used a thruster suit to retrieve Spock. ({{film|1}})
   
 
=== Life support and propulsion ===
  
=== Life support and propulsion ===
Line 75: Line 79:
   
 
=== Alternate reality ===
  
=== Alternate reality ===
−
In the [[alternate reality]] created by [[Nero]]'s incursion, there was at least one type of EV suit in use in the [[Starfleet uniform (alternate reality 2250s)|2250s]]. The suit was available in all three [[division]] colors with a [[Starfleet insignia]] displayed prominently in the center of the chest piece and featured breathing equipment, including a helmet and oxygen, for use outside of Class M environments. It could also be equipped with a [[parachute]] for [[orbital skydiving]] missions. ({{film|11}})
 +
In the [[alternate reality]] created by [[Nero]]'s incursion, there was at least one type of EV suit in use in the [[Starfleet uniform (alternate reality 2250s)|2250s]]. The suit was available in all three [[division]] colors with a [[Starfleet insignia]] displayed prominently in the center of the chest piece and featured breathing equipment, including a helmet and oxygen, for use outside of Class M environments. It could also be equipped with a [[parachute]] for [[orbital skydiving]] missions. ({{film|11}})
   
 
<gallery>
  
<gallery>
 
File:Olson, Kirk and Sulu.jpg|Operations, Sciences and Command suits
  
File:Olson, Kirk and Sulu.jpg|Operations, Sciences and Command suits
 
File:2258 EV suit parachute.jpg|Parachute design
  
File:2258 EV suit parachute.jpg|Parachute design
  +
</gallery>
  +
  +
[[File:Starfleet thermal protection suit.jpg|thumb|{{alt|Spock}} in a heat-resistant suit during an [[away mission]]]]
  +
A similar, copper-colored suit was highly heat-resistant. It could even be worn amidst a volcano. ({{film|12}})
  +
  +
{{bginfo|''Into Darkness'' Costume Designer [[Michael Kaplan]] said of this costume, "''I just thought copper was a very underused material. It probably doesn't make sense logically, since copper conducts heat better than anything else, but I just liked how it tarnished and burned and changed from having a beautiful, shiny look.''" ({{wt|SciFiNow}}, issue 80, p. 028) After Kaplan designed this metallic armor-like costume, it was worn by [[Zachary Quinto]] and his [[stunt performer|stunt double]] on the film, [[Daniel Stevens]]. The suit was also replicated as a three-dimensional [[CGI]] model by [[Industrial Light & Magic]]. (''[[Cinefex]]'', No. 134, p. 78)}}
  +
  +
During special emergencies, officers employed special suits with maneuverable propulsion thrusters to facilitate travel through open space. These suits also contained a holographic navigation module in the helmet visor. ({{film|12}})
  +
<gallery>
  +
File:Exo spacesuit AR STID.jpg|Command variant thruster suit.
  +
File:Thruster suit, alternate reality.jpg|Propulsion unit in use
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
 
== 24th century ==
  
== 24th century ==
 
[[File:Hawk Picard and Worf in space.jpg|thumb|left|Hawk, Picard, and Worf on a spacewalk under the hull of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}}]]
  
[[File:Hawk Picard and Worf in space.jpg|thumb|left|Hawk, Picard, and Worf on a spacewalk under the hull of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}}]]
−
By the [[24th century]], the EV suit had changed into a white tight-fitting suit. Some pieces of the suit were gender-specific, allowing a more customized fit than some of the previous suits. Some suits could be folded for storage in a container inside a [[cargo bay]]. ({{TNG|The Hunted}})
 +
By the [[24th century]], the EV suit had changed into a white tight-fitting suit. Some pieces of the suit were gender-specific, allowing a more customized fit than some of the previous suits. Some suits could be folded for storage in a container inside a [[cargo bay]]. ({{TNG|The Hunted}})
   
 
=== Helmet ===
  
=== Helmet ===
Line 108: Line 123:
   
 
=== Use ===
  
=== Use ===
−
In [[2366]], the escaped [[Angosian]] prisoner [[Roga Danar]] hid a pressure suit he found inside a cargo bay container to cause {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} personnel to think he would use it to leave the [[starship]] through an [[airlock]] or [[torpedo tube]]. [[Security chief]] [[Worf]], however, was not fooled and waited for Danar to reappear. Danar fought with Worf and escaped anyway, assisted by prior acts of [[sabotage]] on Danar's part. ({{TNG|The Hunted}})
 +
In [[2366]], the escaped [[Angosian]] prisoner [[Roga Danar]] hid a pressure suit he found inside a cargo bay container to cause {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} personnel to think he would use it to leave the [[starship]] through an [[airlock]] or [[torpedo tube]]. [[Security chief]] [[Worf]], however, was not fooled and waited for Danar to reappear. Danar fought with Worf and escaped anyway, assisted by prior acts of [[sabotage]] on Danar's part. ({{TNG|The Hunted}})
   
 
[[Jean-Luc Picard]], [[Worf]], and {{dis|Hawk|Lieutenant}} each made use of EV suits while in the year [[2063]] to stop the [[Borg]] from using the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}}'s [[deflector dish]] as a transmitter. ({{film|8}})
  
[[Jean-Luc Picard]], [[Worf]], and {{dis|Hawk|Lieutenant}} each made use of EV suits while in the year [[2063]] to stop the [[Borg]] from using the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-E|-E}}'s [[deflector dish]] as a transmitter. ({{film|8}})
Line 120: Line 135:
 
** {{e|The Tholian Web}}
  
** {{e|The Tholian Web}}
 
** {{e|Whom Gods Destroy}}
  
** {{e|Whom Gods Destroy}}
−
*[[Star Trek films|''Star Trek'' films]]:
 +
*{{Star Trek films}}:
 
**{{film|1}}
  
**{{film|1}}
 
**{{film|2}}
  
**{{film|2}}
Line 126: Line 141:
 
**{{film|8}}
  
**{{film|8}}
 
**{{film|11}}
  
**{{film|11}}
  +
**{{film|12}}
 
*{{TNG|The Hunted}}
  
*{{TNG|The Hunted}}
 
*{{DS9|Empok Nor}}
  
*{{DS9|Empok Nor}}
Line 143: Line 159:
   
 
=== Background information ===
  
=== Background information ===
  +
*For further information on the design and miniature used in ''The Motion Picture'',
  ⚫
::''see: [[Thruster suit model]]''
  +
 
[[File:Three repairmen in EV suits.jpg|thumb|Three repairmen in EV suits outside Deep Space 9]]
  
[[File:Three repairmen in EV suits.jpg|thumb|Three repairmen in EV suits outside Deep Space 9]]
−
The EV suits seen in {{film|8}} and several episodes of ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' were created and provided by [[Christopher Gilman]] and his prop company [[Global Effects, Inc.]]; the helmet was provided from another company.
 +
*The EV suits seen in {{film|8}} and several episodes of ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' were created and provided by [[Christopher Gilman]] and his prop company [[Global Effects, Inc.]]; the helmet was provided from another company.
−  
⚫
With the beginning of ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''{{'}}s fourth season the opening sequence was changed and included a [[cargo management unit]] and three repairmen in EV suits. These elements were executed as [[CGI]] effects by [[ILM]]'s [[John Knoll]], who, while preparing for the pre-production of {{film|8}}, pitched in with the work for the sequence out of courtesy, "''I made about half a dozen little bits and pieces for the sequence, including a generic alien ship with blue glowy engines.''" (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'', p.335)
  
−  
⚫
====Thruster suit design and model====
  
−
[[File:Truster suit design.jpg|thumb|Johnson's and Wilzbach's take on the EV suit design]]
  
−
[[File:Truster suit as designed by Andrew Probert.jpg|thumb|left||Probert's preliminary take on the EV suit]]
  
−
An [[extravehicular activity]] was already envisioned in a final draft of the "[[In Thy Image]]" pilot episode of the, eventually abandoned, ''[[Star Trek: Phase II]]'' television project. While in the employ of [[Robert Abel & Associates]], Production Illustrator [[Andrew Probert]], submitted some preliminary design work for the environmental suit in October 1978. Unfortunately for him, Abel was pulled from the project, when the production was upgraded to a feature film project in early 1979. Succeeded by [[Douglas Trumbull]]'s [[Future General Corporation]], it was decided to finetune the spacesuit design at [[John Dykstra]]'s [[Apogee, Inc.]], when that company was brought in to ease the workload, since a first appearance of the suit was envisioned in a sequence Apogee was responsible for, to wit, the [[Epsilon IX station]] footage.
  
−  
−
[[File:Truster suit truster unit design.jpg|thumb|left|Johnson's thruster pack designs]]
  
−
[[File:Thruster suit model sculpted by Apogee's David Sosalla.jpg|thumb|Sosalla working on the heads for the model]]
  
−
At Apogee, Production Illustrator [[Jack Johnson]] took over the task of designing the suit as well as that of the [[thruster]] pack that could be optionally attached to it. Details on the suit were designed by Animation and Graphics Artist [[Greg Wilzbach]]. It has been their envisioned versions that has been predominantly featured in ''The Motion Picture''. Johnson was also the one who designed the thruster pack unit. (''[[The Art of Star Trek]]'', pp. 180-181)
  
−  
−
Andrew Probert has sold off his preliminary designs as [http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/11168285_star-trek-environmental-suit-concept-artwork Lot 76] in the [[Star_Trek_auctions#Propworx.2C_Inc.|Propworx, Inc.]]'s ''[[Star Trek auctions#STAR TREK auction III|STAR TREK auction III]]'' of 24 March 2012 for US$150, having had an estimate of US$100&ndash;$200. [http://www.startrekpropauthority.com/2012/03/propworx-star-trek-auction-iii-march-24.html]
  
−  
−
[[File:Thruster suit miniature at auction.jpg|thumb|The Kirk miniature at auction]]
  
−
[[File:Truster suit miniature rigged by John Ramsay.jpg|thumb|left|Apogee's [[John Ramsay]] rigging the Spock miniature for motion control shooting]]
  
−
Apart from having a full scale suit made for the actors to interact with, several scaled [[studio model|miniatures]] were deemed necessary for the long shots. These miniatures were also constructed at Apogee, and Dykstra has elaborated,
  
−
<blockquote>"Another thing we did for the Epsilon 9 sequence was build a two-foot tall scale model spaceman that we had zipping around this way and that. [[Douglas Trumbull|Doug]] used it also in the drydock sequence and in the Spock spacewalk. [[David Sosalla]] did the sculpting, including the faces of Spock and the others who would be inside the suit; and [[John Ramsay]] worked out the mechanics for articulating the arms and legs. It was shot using motion control, and then we went back in with animation and added little blips of energy from the thrusters.(...)
  
−  
−
"There were a couple nice shots that didn't get into the film, where the puppets are being chased by the destruction in a different way than we've got them appearing now. But we ran out of time, and weren't able to get them to go together right."</blockquote>
  
−
For its appearances, Sosalla sculpted several heads for representation of whomever was supposed to be in the suit. The models themselves were equipped with servo motors and electronics for articulation. (''[[Cinefex]]'', issue 2, pp. 58-59)
  
   
  ⚫
*With the beginning of ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''{{'}}s fourth season the opening sequence was changed and included a [[cargo management unit]] and three repairmen in EV suits. These elements were executed as [[CGI]] effects by [[ILM]]'s [[John Knoll]], who, while preparing for the pre-production of {{film|8}}, pitched in with the work for the sequence out of courtesy, "''I made about half a dozen little bits and pieces for the sequence, including a generic alien ship with blue glowy engines.''" (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'', p.335)
−
One of the miniatures, ''sans'' thruster pack, measuring 11&times;25 inches, ended up in the possession of [[Doug Drexler]], who auctioned it off as [http://archive.propworx.com/1008/11 Lot 11] in the [[Star Trek auctions#Propworx.2C_Inc.|Propworx]]'s ''[[Star Trek auctions#The official STAR TREK prop and costume auction|''The official STAR TREK prop and costume auction]]'' of 8 August 2010, estimated at US$8,000-$10,000, where it sold for US$8,000. According to the auction description it was the miniature that represented [[Admiral]] [[James T. Kirk]] when he retrieved [[Spock]] in the movie. Spock's thruster pack miniature, constructed out of fiberglass, metal and resin and measuring 15½ inches long, was shortly before offered up at [[Star Trek auctions#Profiles in History|Profiles in History]]'s 8-9 October 2009 ''Hollywood Auction 37'' as [http://bid.profilesinhistory.com/Spock-s-screen-used-miniature-thruster-unit-for-the-V-Ger-spacewalk-from-Star-Trek-TMP_i8632586 Lot 611]. Having been estimated at US$6,000&ndash;8,000.00, it went unsold.
  
   
 
=== External links ===
  
=== External links ===
−
* {{NCwiki}}
 +
* {{mbeta}}
 
* {{wikipedia}}
  
* {{wikipedia}}
 
* {{wikipedia|Space suit}}
  
* {{wikipedia|Space suit}}

Revision as of 03:20, 4 April 2016

AT: "xx" An environmental suit, also known as an EV suit or pressure suit, is a special form of clothing designed to be used for protection or life support in inhospitable environments.

With the advent of space travel came the need to perform tasks outside the controlled atmosphere of the space vessels. For this purpose, the EV suit was developed. As planets and other stellar objects came within the reach of Human space explorers, the EV suit became a necessity for exploring environments with different atmospheric conditions than those on Earth.

History

During the launch of the Phoenix in 2063, the use of space suits seemed optional. Zefram Cochrane and his copilots did not wear any pressure or flight suits. He made history by making First Contact with an alien species after the Phoenix had ended its flight. (Star Trek: First Contact)

22nd century

File:NX-program-flight-suit.jpg

NX Program flight suit

In the 2140s, Vulcan EV suits were relatively large. Jonathan Archer once commented that the experience of wearing one was "like you're flying around inside your own little starship." (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")

In the mid-22nd century, Starfleet tested the new warp five engine in the NX Program. The test pilots of the NX-Alpha and NX-Beta starships used only unpressurized flight suits. (ENT: "First Flight")

A new NX-class EV suit was introduced as standard issue on Enterprise NX-01, the first ship of the new NX-class. These suits were copper colored with gray padding, and were comprised of several components. (citation needed • edit) Military Assault Command Operations (MACOs) had their own type of EV suit. (ENT: "Anomaly", et al.)

Helmet

The design of the helmet allowed an almost normal field of view to the wearer. Though the vertical field of view was limited to eight degrees, the amount of room inside the helmet allowed the wearer to compensate by simply moving his or her head. The helmet had a clear visor integrated into the front that could not be opened separately. It featured two outside lights, one on either side, and two ambient lights inside to illuminate the wearer's face. When the helmet was sealed, the ambient lights would activate. A small earphone was attached to the helmet which the wearer could insert in his or her ear, making it possible to stay in contact with a ship or other space vehicle.

Located on the back of the helmet were the air hoses to the oxygen supply and an electrical connector for the light, communication, and propulsion units. The helmet connected to the life support and propulsion unit via a secondary connection ring and not to the EV suit directly. Padding within the helmet made sure the wearer could not touch the visor with his or her face.

EV suit

File:EV suit, 22nd century.jpg

22nd century EV suit

The EV suit was made as one full piece that closed at the front via a zip fastener and ended just below the elbow. The suit was self-sealing, meaning that if it were punctured or damaged in some way, sealant would be automatically applied to prevent the suit from decompressing. Although the suit was solid enough to protect its wearer from the rigors of space, a hypospray could still penetrate it in case of an emergency. Even with the heavy padding and protection, the suit could only protect its wearer against a neutronic wavefront for about twenty-two minutes.

See also

Life support and propulsion

The life support and propulsion unit (or "LSPU") consisted of a hard upper torso body-shell and a harness. This unit contained the essentials for survival in space: communication equipment, oxygen, propulsion unit, EV controls, and the power supply. It was padded to give the wearer some extra comfort. The LSPU also held an extra oxygen hose for refilling or sharing the oxygen supply. This extra hose allowed oxygen to be replenished from any device that held liquid oxygen, provided the physical connection would fit.

On the front of the unit, the following switches were present: communications, oxygen transfer, lighting and propulsion activation.

On the back were the incoming and outgoing oxygen connections. These hoses were fastened via a bayonet joint to prevent accidental release. Below one of the oxygen connections was an air supply indicator, divided into eight equal parts. This indicated the level of oxygen by means of color coding – green, yellow and red. In 2154, this air supply indicator was removed and replaced by an analog indicator on the right side of the LSPU. The back of the unit also contained an electrical cord, which transferred power and communications from the LSPU to the electrical connector at the back of the helmet.

The harness consisted of two leg bands that were connected to each other via a belt that was also used to hold small tools as necessary. The LSPU was secured to the harness at four attachment points to keep the unit in place.

In the script for ENT: "Fight or Flight", the belt was established as being magnetic.

Gloves

The gloves had five digits and were connected to the EV suit via a zip fastener just below the elbow. They were also self-sealing.

Boots

The boots were made out of the same material as the EV suit and could be magnetized. (ENT: "Minefield", "Babel One")

Starship use

On the NX-class starships, at least six EV suits were present. Senior officers and some security personnel had their own suits, while the rest of the suits were shared for general use. (ENT: "The Catwalk", "The Crossing")

A written description of exactly what happened when a 22nd century style of EV suit responded to a tear was written into the final draft script of "Minefield". It stated, "Two valve-rings built into the suit tighten above and below the tear, isolating the damage from the rest of the EV suit. At the same time, the suit material self-seals around the [tear]."
In ultimately unused dialogue from the final draft script of ENT: "The Xindi", Malcolm Reed regretted that he and Jonathan Archer had decided not to wear EV suits while visiting a particular planet in the Delphic Expanse.

23rd century

File:Psi2000laboratory.jpg

23rd century Special Environmental Protection Suit

During the 23rd century, the EV suit had considerably advanced from the primitive suits of the century before. There were different types of suits for different environments, but only one of them was standard issue for Federation starships and various Federation facilities like the Elba II asylum. These EV suit were significantly more flexible than their predecessors before and less bulky. Late in the 23rd century, the standard issue EV suit changed dramatically.

Helmet

The helmets of the standard-issue EV suits were taller and more spacious, yet still smaller than their 22nd century counterpart. The clear, fixed visor was much more vast and took up a majority of the helmet. It stretched from the front of the helmet, all the way to the back. A strange ambiguous light emanated from the bottom of the helmet and upward for the occupant to see. Late in the 23rd century, the helmets became more domed with the visor facing forward. These helmets were also spacious and allowed a lot of head room.

EV suit

The EV suit was a chromo-metallic and form-fitting one-piece suit with a white belt that fastened around the waist. A phaser could be either holstered or attached to the white belt, depending on the severity of the away mission. The helmet was detachable and the name tag of the occupant could be seen on it. The upper chest and neck area of the suit had a built-in communicator. Late in the 23rd century, the EV suit generally remained the same except the color varied.

Thruster suit

Thruster suit (detached)

Spock in a thruster suit after detaching the thruster

A thruster suit was an environmental suit, that could be equipped with a detachable thruster pack for use to travel short distances, and has been in use among other Starfleet personnel at the Epsilon IX station as well as the drydock where the upgraded USS Enterprise was refurnished.

A short time later, Spock utilized such a suit with a thruster unit, when entering and exploring the V'ger entity in the early 2270s. James T. Kirk subsequently used a thruster suit to retrieve Spock. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)

Life support and propulsion

All life support and propulsion systems were interwoven together as part of the EV suit in order to function better in hostile environments. Later in the 23rd century, propulsion relied upon a jet propulsion pack that was placed on the back of the EV suit. The jet propulsion pack was detachable.

Gloves

The gloves had five digits and were connected to the EV suit. They were detachable and fastened just below the elbow.

Boots

Each EV suit came with magnetic boots made out of the same material as the EV suit.

Alternate reality

In the alternate reality created by Nero's incursion, there was at least one type of EV suit in use in the 2250s. The suit was available in all three division colors with a Starfleet insignia displayed prominently in the center of the chest piece and featured breathing equipment, including a helmet and oxygen, for use outside of Class M environments. It could also be equipped with a parachute for orbital skydiving missions. (Star Trek)

Starfleet thermal protection suit

Spock in a heat-resistant suit during an away mission

A similar, copper-colored suit was highly heat-resistant. It could even be worn amidst a volcano. (Star Trek Into Darkness)

Into Darkness Costume Designer Michael Kaplan said of this costume, "I just thought copper was a very underused material. It probably doesn't make sense logically, since copper conducts heat better than anything else, but I just liked how it tarnished and burned and changed from having a beautiful, shiny look." (SciFiNow, issue 80, p. 028) After Kaplan designed this metallic armor-like costume, it was worn by Zachary Quinto and his stunt double on the film, Daniel Stevens. The suit was also replicated as a three-dimensional CGI model by Industrial Light & Magic. (Cinefex, No. 134, p. 78)

During special emergencies, officers employed special suits with maneuverable propulsion thrusters to facilitate travel through open space. These suits also contained a holographic navigation module in the helmet visor. (Star Trek Into Darkness)

24th century

Hawk Picard and Worf in space

Hawk, Picard, and Worf on a spacewalk under the hull of the USS Enterprise-E

By the 24th century, the EV suit had changed into a white tight-fitting suit. Some pieces of the suit were gender-specific, allowing a more customized fit than some of the previous suits. Some suits could be folded for storage in a container inside a cargo bay. (TNG: "The Hunted")

Helmet

Garak, EV suit

Elim Garak wearing a 24th century EV suit

The helmet was smaller than its 22nd century counterpart but retained the clear and fixed visor. Inside, two ambient lights were present on each side of the helmet to illuminate the wearer's face. Audio equipment, like a microphone and speaker, were integrated.

EV suit

The EV suit was made as one part and was not self-sealing.

Life support

The life support unit consisted of a hard upper-torso body-shell, which was different for men and women. This unit contained the essentials for survival: communication equipment, oxygen, EV controls, power supply, and again an extra oxygen hose that made it possible to share oxygen. Alerts were available visibly via the color-coded EV controls and also by audio.

Under normal conditions, an EV suit would provide approximately twenty-four hours of oxygen. (VOY: "Day of Honor")

Gloves

The gloves had five digits and were connected to the EV suit via a self-sealing mechanism.

Boots

The boots were made out of the same material as the EV suit and could be magnetized. (Star Trek: First Contact; VOY: "Prey")

Back-up system

Tom Paris and Harry Kim were kept alive by the backup system of their environmental suits, by "keeping their vital functions going" while unconscious. The system kicked in due to an environmental seal in their suits had been compromised, depleting the oxygen. (VOY: "Demon")

Use

In 2366, the escaped Angosian prisoner Roga Danar hid a pressure suit he found inside a cargo bay container to cause USS Enterprise-D personnel to think he would use it to leave the starship through an airlock or torpedo tube. Security chief Worf, however, was not fooled and waited for Danar to reappear. Danar fought with Worf and escaped anyway, assisted by prior acts of sabotage on Danar's part. (TNG: "The Hunted")

Jean-Luc Picard, Worf, and Hawk each made use of EV suits while in the year 2063 to stop the Borg from using the USS Enterprise-E's deflector dish as a transmitter. (Star Trek: First Contact)

Appendices

Appearances

See also

Background information

  • For further information on the design and miniature used in The Motion Picture,
see: Thruster suit model
Three repairmen in EV suits

Three repairmen in EV suits outside Deep Space 9

External links

Deutsch
Community content is available under CC-BY-NC unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms