This is the spacesuit that Richard F. Gordon, Jr. wore during his Gemini XI mission during 12-15 September 1966. During that mission Pete Conrad was the command pilot and Gordon the pilot on the mission. Gordon performed two Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) which included attaching a tether to an Agena target vehicle and retrieving a nuclear emulsion experiment package.

The purpose of the Gemini XI mission had been to demonstrate that astronauts could do purposeful work while outside a spacecraft. At the time, the David Clark manufactured spacesuits did not have an adequate cooling mechanism; therefore Gordon suffered from exhaustion and dehydration during his first spacewalk attempt. The second walk was more successful because he did not leave the spacecraft completely and performed a "standing spacewalk."

The David Clark Company designed and built this spacesuit in consultation with NASA. The suit was designed to be a personal, form-fitting spacecraft that protected the astronaut while he was outside of his spacecraft. This protection was against extremes of temperature, radiation and micrometeoroids. The suit has layers of neoprene and nonporous cloth that are covered with a white, high temperature nylon cover layer. On the surface, one can see the fittings and disconnects that connected the astronaut to the spacecraft.

NASA transferred this suit 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-Pressure Suits

Manufacturer

David Clark Company, Inc.

Astronaut

Richard F. Gordon

Dimensions

Overall: 83.82 x 25.4 x 162.56cm (2ft 9in. x 10in. x 5ft 4in.)

Materials

Exterior: HT nylon, silk (flag), polycarbonate visor,
Zippers: Cotton, brass, rubber/neoprene
Interior: Neoprene-coated nylon
Connectors, fittings and disconnects: Anodized aluminum

Inventory Number

A19720544000

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA, Manned Spacecraft Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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