Pressure Suit, Gemini, G5-C, Lovell, Training

This spacesuit was worn by astronaut Jim Lovell during training for the Gemini 7 flight in December 1965. The mission was a 14 day orbital mission during which Gemini 7 and Gemini 6 performed successful rendezvous and docking maneuvers and proved that man could live and work in space for an extended period of time.

The G5-C suit was designed to be more comfortable during the extended mission and permitted the astronauts a degree of mobility previously not experienced in the Gemini missions. The suit became known affectionately as the "Grasshopper" suit.

The suit consisted of an inner pressure bladder of neoprene-coated nylon with an outer stress-bearing layer of lightweight, HT (High Temperature) nylon. Link Net sections were installed in the shoulders to enhance mobility. The suit was equipped with an entry zipper running from the neck down the back and under the crotch, fastening in the front. It was easy and quick to both don and doff, and as it was very lightweight and lacked bulk, it was also relatively comfortable.

NASA transferred this suit to the Museum in 1976.