This is the stowage bag for the Penguin suit that Soviet cosmonaut Yury Malyshev wore during his first spaceflight on board Soyuz T-2, en route to the Salyut 6 space station. The suit was designed to ameliorate the debilitating effects of prolonged microgravity on the skeletal muscular system experienced during prolonged periods in microgravity. Inside the suit is an elaborate system of cords and straps that can be arranged to simulate gravity pulling on muscles. When not in use, the suit had to be stowed inside the space station and not get in the way of other work, thus the bag is an essential component of the system.
Malyshev sold this stowage bag along with his Penguin suit at auction. The estate of the American collector who bought it donated it to the museum.
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
Russia
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Cosmonaut
Yury Vasilyevich Malyshev, Russian
Manufacturer
Zvezda
Dimensions
Approximate: 45.7 x 23.5 x 6.4cm (18 x 9 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.)
Materials
Synthetic Fabric
Plastic
Steel
Ink
Aluminum
Inventory Number
A20130310000
Credit Line
To Learn, To Explore, To Inspire. From the collection of Mr. Robin John Burrows, space enthusiast since reading "Sands of Mars" at age ten and E. LaVerne Johnson.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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