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Helmet, Pressure Bubble, Irwin, Apollo 15

Air and Space Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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Object Details

Manufacturer

Air Lock Inc.

Astronaut

James B. Irwin

Summary

This pressure helmet is a transparent bubble made for and worn by James Irwin, Lunar Module Module pilot for the Apollo 15 mission in July, 1971.
The Apollo pressure helmet was a transparent bubble designed to attach to the spacesuit neck ring. It was constructed of a polycarbonate shell with a red anodized aluminum neck ring, a feed port, a vent pad and duct assembly attached to the rear and a valsalva device attached to the inner ring. The valsalva device was installed so that the astronaut could "blow" his nose to prevent his ears from "popping" during the rapid ascent of launch.
There were two configurations of these pressure bubbles used on Apollo suits which were not interchangable. The style used during the Apollo missions 7 through 10 was of anodized blue aluminum, while those used from Apollo 11 through the end of the program were of anodized red aluminum.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA in 1974.

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Inventory Number

A19740132002

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear

Materials

Bubble: Transparent polycarbonate
Neck Ring: Red adonized aluminum
Comfort/vent pad: Blue anodized aluminum with padded beta-cloth pad
Feed Port: Blue anodized aluminum w.velcro patch

Dimensions

3-D: 24.1 x 29.2cm (9 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.)
Other (neck ring): 9 3/4in. (24.8cm)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Location

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA

Exhibit Station

Human Spaceflight

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9151e1f77-e213-410a-a912-5c2deeaa0831

Record ID

nasm_A19740132002

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