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This spacesuit was created for display purposes only. It is configured in the style of the suit worn by Virgil "Gus" Grissom during the second sub-orbital flight of a U.S. astronaut which took place on July 21, 1961 and lasted for approximately 15 minutes. While preparing to leave his spacecraft at the conclusion of his flight, the hatch blew off, and "Liberty Bell 7" sank to the floor of the ocean where it remained until 2000, when it was brought up.

The suit was not constructed for use and has an exterior, but no interior layer. However, like the mission and training suits, it was manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company which were developed from the U.S. Navy MK- IV full pressure suit, was selected by NASA in 1959 for use in the Project Mercury.

Donated by North American Rockwell 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 B. F. Goodrich Co.
 Dimensions Approximate: 62 in. long x 20 in. wide x 10 in. deep (157.48 x 50.8 x 25.4cm)
 Materials Exterior: Aluminized nylon, aluminium
Interior: No interior pressure bladder
Zipper: Brass, cotton
Neck-ring: Aluminium
Wrist locking rings and bearings: Aluminium
 Inventory Number A19730686000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.