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This spacesuit was worn by Virgil "Gus" Grissom during the second flight of a U.S. astronaut. The flight took place on July 24, 1961, and lasted for approximately fifteen minutes. The only significant problem arose at the conclusion of the mission when, after parachuting into the Atlantic ocean, the spacecraft hatch blew open, and Liberty Bell 7 sank.

The spacesuit was developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company from the U.S. Navy Mark IV full pressure suit, and was selected by NASA in 1959 for use in Project Mercury.

Transferred from NASA in 2003.

 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 Virgil (Gus) I. Grissom
 Dimensions Approximate: 5 ft. 5 in. long x 1 ft. 11 in. wide x 6 in. deep (165.1 x 58.42 x 15.24cm)
 Materials Overall Exterior: Aluminized nylon, nylon webbing, brass, steel, aluminium
Overall Interior: Rubber/neoprene, steel wire
 Inventory Number A20030178000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Johnson Space Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use. You may also like The Sinking of Liberty Bell 7: Gus Grissom’s Near-Fatal Mission July 21, 2021