Object Details
Manufacturer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
Summary
In order to better withstand the high gravitational forces of launch and reentry, each astronaut in Project Mercury, the first U.S. human spaceflight program, had form-fitting fiberglass couches cast for his body. This couch was used in the Mercury Procedures Trainer, a simulator, by Walter M. Schirra, who flew the third orbital flight (Mercury Atlas 8) in October 1962. Schirra later commanded Gemini VI-A in December 1965 and Apollo 7 in October 1968, the only astronaut to fly in all three early American manned space programs.
Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV), the simulator contractor, transferred this artifact to the National Air and Space Museum on behalf of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center).
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19690072000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Training Devices
Materials
HAZMAT: Magnesium
Phenolic Resin, Synthetic Fabric, Steel, Paint, Aluminum, Wood, Foam
Dimensions
Approximate: 10in. x 4ft 6in. x 1ft 11in., 35lb. (25.4 x 137.16 x 58.42cm, 15.9kg)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19690072000