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Litton began adapting its line of vacuum chambers suits first for the Air Force in 1955 and then for NASA in 1964. The Litton suits were articulated exoskeletons that maintained a constant volume through a full range of motion. This suit was called the RX-3. Litton manufactured this particular model for as a demonstration model for the Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program. It is of modular construction with magnesium/lithium alloys in the rotary seals, and electron-beam welding techniques which helped reduce the weight of this suit to 63 lbs from the 90 pound weight of previous models

These experimental suits were part of NASA's Advanced Extra-Vehicular Suits (AES) program. They could operate at higher pressure, thus reducing the time-consuming oxygen pre-breathing period before extra vehicular activities.

NASA transferred this suit to the Museum in 1976.

 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 Litton Industries
 Dimensions Overall: 38.1 x 88.9 x 182.88cm (1ft 3in. x 2ft 11in. x 6ft)
 Materials Aluminum, plastic, steel, enamel
 Inventory Number A19820435000 Credit Line Transferred from 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.