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This maneuvering unit is designed to assist an astronaut in moving around outside the spacecraft. It has three small compressed gas thrusters that operate when the astronaut squeezes the hand grip. A small maneuvering unit like this gives a spacewalking astronaut more mobility with less effort. Skylab astronauts used this device to train for their 1973-1974 missions. While in space they tested an identical unit by flying it inside the large space station.

NASA transferred this training unit to the Museum in 1976 .

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-Miscellaneous

Manufacturer

Martin Marietta

Dimensions

Overall (thruster unit): 6in. x 1ft 3in. (15.24 x 38.1cm)

Materials

Aluminum, steel, fabric

Inventory Number

A19761951002

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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