This uniform was worn by a chief of the Space Shuttle launch pad closeout crew. These men and women made a final check of the astronauts' launch entry suits before boarding, assisted the Shuttle crew into their seats, and buckled them in for launch. The chief (designated by the numeral 1 patches on the suit) closed and sealed the Shuttle hatch. The closeout crew chief also conducted launch pad safety and evacuation training for the astronauts and launch pad crew. The donor of this uniform, Travis Thompson, joined the closeout crew in 1983, served in that role for almost 100 missions, and was chief for the last ten years of Shuttle missions.
Travis Thompson donated this uniform to the Museum after the final Shuttle launch in 2011.
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-Uniforms: Civil
Manufacturer
Westex, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D: 157.5 x 67.3 x 7.3cm (62 x 26 1/2 x 2 7/8 in.)
Materials
Cotton, Velcro, Synthetic Fabric, Plastic, Westex Indura flame-resistant 100% cotton fabric
Inventory Number
A20120269000
Credit Line
Gift of Travis T. Thompson
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
