photo #6896294

You might not think so, but performing a spacewalk is an exhausting task, both physically and mentally. Spacesuits are pressurized, like a balloon, so every move is a fight to push against the pressure and bulkiness of the suit, particularly when using your hands. Spacewalking gloves consist of multiple layers; combining that with 8 hours of opening and closing your hands while making repairs on the space station often results in raw skin, bleeding, and even fingernail loss. I often remarked that practicing spacewalks in the “pool” was more physically exhausting. Performing one in outer space was mentally exhausting. It surprised me how tired and exhausted I felt after my first spacewalk - but I'd go again in a second!