This glove is part of the pair made for astronaut Alan Shepard and was worn during the first flight of an American into space in May, 1961,

The gloves were constructed of an inner layer made from a mold of the astronaut's hand, dipped in a rubber compound. The outer layer was fabricated of one-way stretch nylon with neoprene-impregnated palms and lacing on the back. The gloves assumed the contours of the hand controller, and attached to the suit with a bll-bearing lock mechanism. Miniature finger lights were provided on the index and middle fingers powered by a battery pack on the back of the gloves. These lights provided instrument panel and chart illumination.

Transferred from NASA - Manned Spacecraft Center in 1977

Display Status

This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Destination Moon

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear

Astronaut

Alan B. Shepard Jr.

Manufacturer

B. F. Goodrich Co.

Dimensions

3-D: 29.2 x 11.4cm (11 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)
Other (Wrist Ring): 4in. (10.2cm)

Materials

WRIST LOCKING RING - Aluminium
ZIPPER - cotton, brass
OVERALL - Nylon, steel, leather, rubber

Inventory Number

A19770563003

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.