Toy, Space Shuttle Astronaut and Manned Maneuvering Unit

This toy allows the purchaser to play with a suited Space Shuttle astronaut with a Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). The MMU, a backpack-like device that allowed an astronaut to fly free of the larger spacecraft, was used on three Shuttle missions in 1984 (STS-41-B, STS-41-C, and STS-51-A). After the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986, using the MMU was judged too risky and discontinued. Nonetheless, the vision of the untethered astronaut flying with an MMU remains an enduring image of spaceflight's dreams realized.

The manufacturer uses the model's relative accuracy to label the toy as an "authentic replica." The toy's packaging also includes information about the Shuttle spacesuit and manned maneuvering unit. Toys like this one are marketed to appeal to youth and hobbyists interested in the technology of space exploration.

Valerie Neal, the National Air and Space Museum curator who oversees the artifacts from the Space Shuttle program, donated it to the National Collection in 2003.