NASA Astronaut Notices “Slice” in Her Suit’s Glove During Spacewalk

NASA Astronaut Notices “Slice” in Her Suit’s Glove During Spacewalk

In a recent spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), a NASA astronaut discovered a concerning "slice" or tear in her glove — a reminder of the dangers astronauts face while working in the harsh environment of space. The incident occurred on May 1, 2025, during a historic all-female spacewalk carried out by astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers. While the spacewalk was ultimately successful, the glove issue prompted heightened scrutiny and a temporary pause to ensure astronaut safety.

A Close Call in Orbit

The astronauts were conducting a six-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) to reposition a communication antenna and prepare the station for new solar panel installations. About four hours into the mission, one of the astronauts noticed an abnormality in her glove while conducting a routine inspection — a standard practice during spacewalks. Upon closer review, she identified what she described as a "slice" or cut in the outer layer of the glove.

Though the damage was not immediately life-threatening, NASA's mission control in Houston was alerted, and the team quickly began assessing the severity of the situation. Fortunately, only the outer protective layer appeared to be compromised, while the inner pressurized layers remained intact.

Why Glove Damage Matters

Astronaut gloves are among the most technically advanced parts of the spacesuit, known officially as the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). These gloves are designed with multiple layers of material, including Kevlar and Vectran, to protect against micrometeoroids, temperature extremes, and sharp surfaces on the ISS.

Despite this advanced design, gloves are still vulnerable to damage from metal edges or equipment on the space station. Even a small tear can pose a risk if it compromises the glove’s ability to maintain pressure or thermal regulation.

In previous missions, astronauts have reported wear and tear on their gloves, leading to shortened EVAs or even emergency terminations. A well-known incident in 2007 involved astronaut Rick Mastracchio, who ended his spacewalk early after discovering damage to his glove's outer layer. Since then, NASA has implemented more rigorous inspection protocols.

How NASA Responded

After identifying the glove anomaly, the astronaut in question temporarily stopped her task and conducted further checks while mission control reviewed available data. Engineers and safety officers examined images from the astronaut’s helmet camera, confirmed the inner layers were uncompromised, and approved the continuation of the EVA with caution.

NASA later released a statement explaining that while the damage appeared superficial, it triggered internal safety protocols designed to err on the side of caution. The astronauts completed their mission objectives and returned safely to the airlock, where a more detailed examination of the glove took place.

Lessons Learned and Future Precautions

The incident has reignited discussions within NASA and the space industry about how to further improve glove durability and EVA safety. The agency has been exploring technologies such as machine-learning-assisted inspections and advanced materials to enhance future gloves.

“Even a minor cut on the glove reminds us that spacewalking is inherently risky,” said Dr. Karen Watson, a NASA EVA systems engineer. “But it also shows how our procedures and the training of our astronauts prepare them to manage those risks effectively.”

In upcoming missions — especially those under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon — new glove designs will likely incorporate even more resilient materials and sensor-based feedback to detect damage in real-time.

A Reminder of Human Fragility in Space

The May 1 spacewalk is also historically significant as the fifth all-female EVA in NASA’s history. Both astronauts handled the situation with professionalism, demonstrating their preparedness and the effectiveness of NASA’s safety protocols.

As humanity pushes further into space, from lunar missions to potential crewed Mars expeditions, events like this highlight both our vulnerability and our ability to adapt. Every small incident provides critical data that shapes the future of space exploration.

The glove “slice” was not catastrophic, but it served as a stark reminder: even in an age of high-tech suits and rigorous planning, space remains an environment where even the smallest tear matters — and where vigilance can mean the difference between routine and disaster.