In order to better withstand the high gravitational forces of launch and reentry, each astronaut in Project Mercury, the first U.S. human spaceflight program, had form-fitting fiberglass couches cast for his body. This couch was used in the Mercury Procedures Trainer, a simulator, by Walter M. Schirra, who flew the third orbital flight (Mercury Atlas 8) in October 1962. Schirra later commanded Gemini VI-A in December 1965 and Apollo 7 in October 1968, the only astronaut to fly in all three early American manned space programs.
Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV), the simulator contractor, transferred this artifact to the National Air and Space Museum on behalf of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center).
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Training Devices
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Dimensions
Approximate: 10in. x 4ft 6in. x 1ft 11in., 35lb. (25.4 x 137.16 x 58.42cm, 15.9kg)
Materials
HAZMAT: Magnesium
Phenolic Resin, Synthetic Fabric, Steel, Paint, Aluminum, Wood, Foam
Inventory Number
A19690072000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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