‘Sokol’ is a Russian-made space suit. It insures and protects astronauts on board the space ship ‘Soyuz’ in the most dangerous areas of flight: during takeoff and landing, as well as docking and unblocking. It also saves astronauts if the spaceship is depressurized. The suit ‘Sokol’ is not intended for outer space, but it can withstand these conditions, albeit for a short time: it is designed to stay in vacuum for only up to 125 minutes due to the small on-board oxygen reserve and heat-mode restrictions. If the cabin is depressurized, during this time the ship should land. 

 
‘Sokol’ is custom made for each crew member. Suits are issued in several sizes for people between 161 and 182 cm in height and chest circumference from 96 to 108 cm, with additional customized fittings. With the exception of the gloves, ‘Sokol’ is one-piece. There is a valve in the front part (chest and abdomen) of the suit, which is fastened by a zipper: it is through this valve that it can be put on. It is very difficult to put on: the suit is designed for the seating position of the pilot, which ensures a comfortable position in the chair. 

The shell of the suit consists of a strong outer and hermetic inner shell. The hermetically sealed shell of the suit is made of a rubberized capron and rubberless knitwear. It is fastened to the pressure shell with glue. 

Inside, elastic pipes of the ventilation and oxygen supply system (gas mixture) are attached to the containment. Ventilating air and oxygen enter the suit through the hoses. The air goes into the legs, the sleeves and the helmet, and the oxygen goes into the helmet. If the ship is depressurized, oxygen or a gas mixture of 40% oxygen and 60% nitrogen ensures that the spacesuit is pressurized, and the astronaut can breathe and is partially cooled.