This glove is part of the Sokol ("Falcon") space suit was custom-made for Dennis Tito from off-the-shelf and previously tested parts. The California businessman became the first tourist in space on April 28, 2001. After months of training and preparations in Moscow and at the Cosmonaut Flight Training Center in Star City, Russia, Tito was launched on board the Soyuz TM-32 from Baikonur, Kazakhstan and spent six days on board the International Space Station (ISS). He paid the Russians a reported $20 million for this adventure.
Dennis Tito wore this right glove as part of his rescue suit during the launch to the ISS. The astronaut's initials in Russian, DT, are stamped on the inside of this white cuff in blue. The hand and finger portion of the glove consist of a custom molded rubber hand that is reinforced with leather in the palm. Between the leather and rubber are metal reinforcement bars that prevent the glove from distending while under pressure.
Dennis Tito gave this glove to the Museum with his space suit in 2003.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Russia
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear
Dennis Tito
Zvezda
3-D: 25.4 × 12.1cm (10 × 4 3/4 in.)
Other (Wrist Ring): 11cm (4 5/16 in.)
Synthetic Fabric, woven cloth, leather, rubber/neoprene, anodized aluminum, steel reinforcement, nylon
A20030122002
Gift of Dennis Tito
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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