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
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