These black rubber hand shapes are forms used in the construction of Apollo pressure gloves. They were made from a cast of the astronaut's hands, and were inserted into a nylon glove and then dipped in a rubber/neoprene compound. The result of the dipping process became the interior pressure bladder of both intra-vehicular and extra-vehicular gloves used during the Apollo program.
These forms were made using a model of astronaut Joe Kerwin's hands, and ILC Industries transferred them to the museum in 1973.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
United States of America
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous
Joseph P. Kerwin
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Approximate: 11.43 x 31.75 x 16.51cm (4 1/2in. x 1ft 1/2in. x 6 1/2in.) (crate)
Rubber, metal, epoxy
A19730067000
Gift of ILC Industries, Inc.
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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