The Launch-Entry Suit (LES) was a partial-pressure suit worn by Space Shuttle crew members for protection against loss of cabin pressure during the critical ascent and descent phases of a mission. Introduced after the 1986 Challenger accident, it was used until the late 1990's, when the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES) was phased in. The Launch-Entry Suit pressurized at 3.2 psi and exerted mechanical pressure on the crewmember's body by inflation of the internal bladder. The helmet visor and neck dam were pressure seals, but the gloves were not; they connected to the suit by a tube and needle valve. The Launch-Entry Suit included an integrated antigravity suit (g-suit) to prevent blood from pooling in the lower body during re-entry. This particular Launch-Entry Suit, transferred from NASA, was never worn in space.
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
David Clark Company, Inc.
Dimensions
Clothing: 152.4 × 66 × 15.2cm (60 × 26 × 6 in.)
Materials
Nomex outer garment (orange); polyurethane-coated nylon inner pressure bladder (blue); Gore-Tex liner; Neoprene neck dam; anodized aluminum; steel; Teflon; velcro
Inventory Number
A20010212000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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