This pressure suit was used during NASA's Project Mercury by astronaut Donald Kent "Deke" Slayton in training. One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, Slayton was the only one who did not fly in space during the Mercury project. During the process of selction and training, doctors discovered that he had a slight heart murmur. Although the murmur did not disqualify him from the program, NASA managers opted to cancel his flight. Slayton later flew in space on board the Apollo spacecraft that docked with a Soviet Soyuz for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in July 1975.
Deke Slayton used this spacesuit for training. It is likely that NASA resued the suit after the Mercury Project for testing.
NASA transferred the suit to the museum in the late 1960s.
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
B. F. Goodrich Co.
Dimensions
Approximate: 20.32 x 175.26 x 76.2cm (8in. x 5ft 9in. x 2ft 6in.)
Materials
Exterior: Aluminized nylon, aluminium, phenolic resin, nylon webbing, neoprene/rubber
Interior: No interior pressure bladder
Zipper: Brass, cotton
Neck-ring: Aluminium
Wrist locking rings and bearings: Aluminium
Inventory Number
A19690035000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Manned Spacecraft Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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