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Welders in space are essential for building and repairing space craft. Many astronauts have used their welding skills to build structures on the International Space Station (ISS). However, welding in space is more complicated than working on earth. Working in space is not just difficult- it's dangerous, and welding causes many dangers to unsuspecting Welders.
Early space exploration included projects such as the Russian Sputnik 1, the American Project Gemini, and the first manned space flight by Soviet Yuri Gagarin. This was the height of the space age, during which many countries attempted to launch humans into outer space for the first time. The first human space flight occurred in April 1961 with the launch of the Soviet Union's Project Vostok. After this successful landing of a spacecraft, the first animal in outer space, a dog named Laika, followed suit a few months later. Over time, more and more countries joined Project Mercury with the goal of human spaceflight. Astronauts soon discovered that welding was an essential skill for working in space.
Since welding is an efficient method of joining metal together, welders do not need much oxygen to work in space. However, welding isn't easy in space since most oxygen escapes into outer space while welding. So the welder must use a separate supply of oxygen to work properly. This supply must be secured so it does not escape and create a harmful atmosphere inside the ship or station. Welder work is still difficult without enough oxygen, but at least some work can be completed if enough air is available.
Since welding is not a difficult task in space, more welders have been sent to space than any other Astronaut group. Initially, only five welders were sent up with twelve astronauts from 1962-1968 during Project Gemini. This was followed by Project Apollo with sixteen additional welders during which astronauts landed on the moon for the first time. Since then, many welders have been sent up with astronauts during various projects and missions. Consequently, welding has become much easier with enough oxygen for welder work.
Welding remains an essential task for working in space- but now it is easier thanks to new innovative tools and equipment developed by NASA and its contributors. Although welding is still dangerous without enough oxygen, new equipment makes welding easier on earth and in outer space alike. Now that welding has become easier in space, perhaps future exploration will include manned colonies on distant planet surfaces?