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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.

Destination Moon

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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