This couch liner is a part of a custom-fitted anti-gravity seat into which cosmonauts are strapped during the launch and landing of Soyuz spacecraft. NASA astronaut, Dr. Norman E. Thagard used this couch during his historic flight on board the Russian space station Mir (March-June 1995). The liners are removable cocoons; having been custom-molded to fit each individual cosmonaut's anatomy and fit into a shock-absorbing couch that is designed to prevent injury during landing. On arrival at the space station, the cosmonauts remove their couch liners and re-center them in the "Kazbek" frame aboard the other docked Soyuz craft. During his 15-day mission on board Mir, Dr. Thagard became the first American to spend time on board a Russian space station. He remains the only American to launch on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
NASA transferred this couch liner to the museum in 1997.
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-Special Devices
Astronaut
Norman E. Thagard
Manufacturer
Zvezda
Dimensions
3-D: 52.1 x 33.7 x 99.1cm (20 1/2 x 13 1/4 x 39 in.)
Materials
COVER - SYNTHETIC BLUE KNIT FABRIC
INTERIOR - UNIDENTIFIED RIGID FOAM
SUPPORT STRAPS - WOVEN SYNTHETIC GRAY FABRIC
TABS - GRAY SYNTHETIC WOVEN FABRIC
VELCRO TABS - SYNTHETIC LOOPS AT SHOULDERS FOR ATTACHMENTS
Inventory Number
A19970070000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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