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This spacesuit was worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter during training exercises prior to his Aurora 7 mission on May 24, 1962.

The spacesuit was identical to the suit worn in flight. B.F. Goodrich developed the suit from the US Navy MK-IV full pressure suit. In 1959 NASA selected it 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.

The NASA - Manned Spacecraft Center transferred the suit to the National Air and Space 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 B. F. Goodrich Co.
 Astronaut Scott M. Carpenter
 Dimensions Approximate: 5ft 2in. x 10in. x 1ft 8in. (157.48 x 25.4 x 50.8cm)
 Materials Exterior: Aluminium-coated nylon, brass, nylon, steel, phenolic resin, glass, velcro
Interior: Rubber/neoprene coated nylon
 Inventory Number A19721161000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA, Manned Spacecraft Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.