air locks

An airlock is a small, sealed space between two areas with different pressure levels, commonly used to control airflow and prevent unwanted exchange of air or contaminants. It functions like a intermediary chamber—when entering or exiting a pressurized environment, you first go into the airlock, close the door behind you, then alter the pressure to match the next space before opening the final door. This process maintains proper pressure, keeps environments sterile or controlled, and prevents harmful substances or air from passing between zones. Airlocks are essential in spacesuits, cleanrooms, and other environments requiring strict atmospheric control.