This cover belongs to the Advanced Crew Escape System (ACES) exterior layer.
The ACES suit was designed to be worn during launch and re-entry on the Space Shuttle. The David Clark Company produced the suit in an international orange color, instead of the white or silver color used in previous models. The orange color allows rescue units to spot easily the astronauts in case they are forced to bail out over the ocean. The ACES was first used in 1994.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred this item to the museum after the end of the shuttle program.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.