This is the spacesuit worn by astronaut Alan Shepard during the first manned spaceflight launched by the United States on May 5, 1961. The sub-orbital flight was launched on a Redstone rocket from Pad 5 at Cape Canaveral and approximately 15 minutes later, Shepard splashed down in the Atlantic ocean.
The Mercury spacesuit was a close-fitting, two-layer, full pressure suit developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company from their Mark IV pressure suit, as used by the U.S. Navy. It was selected by NASA in 1959 for use in Project Mercury, and during the course of the Mercury program underwent minor modifications, primarily in the shoulders.
NASA transferred this suit to the museum in 1977.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Pressure Suits
Astronaut
Alan B. Shepard Jr.
Manufacturer
B. F. Goodrich Co.
Dimensions
Overall: 4 ft. 11 in. tall x 1 ft. 6 in. wide x 9 in. deep (149.9 x 45.7 x 22.9cm)
Other (neck ring): 9 1/2 in. diameter (24.1cm)
Other (wrist ring): 4 in. diameter (10.2cm)
Materials
EXTERIOR - Aluminized nylon, brass, cotton, steel
INTERIOR - Neoprene, Neoprene-coated nylon, rubber
NECK RING - Anodized aluminium
Inventory Number
A19770563000
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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