X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Sokol space suit


QinetiQ 1

The two pilots, Andy Elson and Colin Prescot, were to occupy an open deck, relying on Zvezda-manufactured Sokol space suits to keep them alive during the anticipated twelve-hour flight.

Sokol space suit

The current version of the suit is the Sokol-KV2, manufactured by NPP Zvezda (НПП Звезда).

It was planned that the crew of the British QinetiQ 1 high altitude balloon would wear modified Sokol suits purchased from Zvezda.


Valsalva maneuver

In November 2011 ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti posted on Twitter a picture of her demonstrating the use of the Valsalva device in the Sokol space suit.


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