This is a spacesuit known as the "Lobster Shell" suit. The International Latex Company built and submitted this suit to NASA in 1965 as a proposal for suits for an advanced Apollo program, a program that NASA later cancelled. The suit gets its name from the shaped fiberglass sections in the arms and legs that were designed to protect astronauts experiencing high gravitational forces. It is easy to identify the suit by its broad, thick shoulders. Even though the program was cancelled, other contractors offered similar designs to the U.S. Air Force for their Manned Orbiting Laboratory program.
NASA Ames Research Center transferred this spacesuit to the Museum in 2004 after they concluded testing it for their advanced suit design.
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
International Latex Corporation
Dimensions
Approximate: 33.02 x 160.02 x 76.2cm (1ft 1in. x 5ft 3in. x 2ft 6in.)
Materials
Anodized Aluminum, Nylon, rubber/neoprene, neoprene-coated nylon, aluminized nylon, brass, steel, leather
Inventory Number
A20040268000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA Ames Research Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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