This spacesuit was worn by Scott Carpenter during the second orbital flight of a U.S. astronaut. The flight took place on May 24, 1962 and lasted for 4 hours and 56 minutes, during which time he traveled 76,020 miles and orbited the earth three times.
The spacesuitsuit was developed by B.F. Goodrich from the US Navy MK-IV full pressure suit, and selected by NASA in 1959 for use in Project Mercury. It was made of a nylon exterior with an aluminized thermal coating which gave it the famous "silver" color, and an interior rubber bladder. The spacesuit consisted of four basic components, the suit torso, helmet, gloves and boots, and underneath the suit, the astronauts wore a long cotton undergarment.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA in 1971
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.
Astronaut
Scott M. Carpenter
Dimensions
Overall: 5 ft. 2 1/2 in. tall x 1 ft. 8 in. wide x 10 in. deep (158.75 x 50.8 x 25.4cm)
Materials
Exterior: Aluminium-coated nylon, brass, nylon, steel
Interior: Rubber/neoprene coated nylon
other: rubber/neoprene, plastic, velcro, nylon webbing, anodized aluminum, phenolic resin
Inventory Number
A19710022000
Credit Line
Donated by the U.S. Navy Yard, Washington, DC
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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