This reflecting plate of polished steel was part of the equipment issued to John Glenn for his Friendship 7 mission in February, 1962, and was attached to his arm with the elastic band. As space was at a premium inside the Mercury spacecraft, the astronaut only had a very limited ability to move and see outside the craft. This plate behind his head and shoulders allowed the astronaut to see.

NASA - Manned Spacecraft Center transferred this to NASM in 1967.

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