This is a left spacesuit glove that astronaut Ed White wore during training for his historic Gemini 4 spacewalk in June 1965. The suit is designated a G-2C, which means that it was the second version of the spacesuit that the David Clark Company submitted to NASA for the Gemini program. The gloves were made in February 1964, over a year before White's spacewalk. As a result, it differs from those actually flown on Gemini. Notably the suit and gloves have a silver coverlayer similar to Mercury program spacesuits. Initially, suit engineers thought that the silver coating's reflectivity would be adequate to protect astronauts from heat fluctuations and solar radiation during spacewalks. Subsequent tests determined that a layered, white, fire resistant coverlayer performed better.

NASA transferred the gloves and spacesuit to the Museum in 1972.

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

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear

Manufacturer

David Clark Company, Inc.

Astronaut

Edward H. White, II

Dimensions

Overall: 11 1/4 in. x 5 in. x 4 in. (28.6 x 12.7 x 10.2cm)

Materials

Aluminized Nylon
Neoprene-Coated Nylon
Anodized Aluminum
Synthetic Fabric
Copper Alloy
Steel
Rubber/Neoprene
Adhesive
Plastic

Inventory Number

A19730837002

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA Manned Spacecraft Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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