This spacesuit was constructed by the Hamilton Standard Corporation for the US Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program in the early 1960s. At the time, the USAF had planned an independent MOL program for which they had recruited their own corps of pilot astronauts. MOL astronauts were to take part in surveillance and reconnaissance efforts from a space station that orbited above Earth. As robotic equipment outstripped the capabilities of human-tended spying, the USAF abandoned plans and transferred all equipment and their astronaut corps to NASA. The spacesuits are rare pieces of hardware that have survived the secretive MOL program. All MOL astronauts who were under age 35 and survived eventually flew in NASA programs, either on board Skylab or the space shuttle.
The suit was a front-opening, full pressure suit, and incorporated many new design features, and included a one-piece helmet and gloves with stainless steel "finger-nails" that were designed to alleviate pressure on the fingertips inside pressurized gloves.
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (now known at the Johnson Space Center) transferred this suit to the museum in 1973.
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
Hamilton Standard
Dimensions
Approximately: 62inches long x 27 inches wide x 8inches deep. (157.48 x 68.58 x 20.32cm)
Materials
Exterior: Nylon, polyester, aluminium
Interior: Rubber/Neoprene, polyester, aluminium
other: neoprene-coated nylon, nylon, brass, steel, anodized aluminum, rubber/neoprene, rubber (silicone), velcro
Inventory Number
A19800042000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA Manned Spacecraft Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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