Soviet cosmonaut Yury Malyshev wore this flight suit during his first spaceflight on board Soyuz T-2, en route to the Salyut 6 space station. This suit is designed to ameliorate the debilitating effects of prolonged microgravity on the skeletal muscular system experienced during prolonged periods in microgravity. Inside the suit is an elaborate system of cords and straps that can be arranged to simulate gravity pulling on muscles. In all likelihood this was an early prototype of the concept and Malyshev was on in orbit for three days.
Malyshev sold this Penguin suit at auction. The estate of the American collector who bought it donated it to the museum.
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
Russia
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Cosmonaut
Yury Vasilyevich Malyshev, Russian
Manufacturer
Zvezda
Dimensions
3-D: 148.6 x 109.2 x 5.1cm (58 1/2 x 43 x 2 in.)
Materials
Synthetic Fabric
Foam
Stainless Steel
Plastic
Steel
Copper Alloy
Aluminum
Paint
Rubber
Inventory Number
A20130300000
Credit Line
To Learn, To Explore, To Inspire. From the collection of Mr. Robin John Burrows, space enthusiast since reading "Sands of Mars" at age ten and E. LaVerne Johnson.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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