Object Details
Manufacturer
Litton Industries
Summary
Litton began adapting its line of vacuum chambers suits first for the Air Force in 1955 and then for NASA in 1964. The Litton suits were articulated exoskeletons that maintained a constant volume through a full range of motion. This suit was called the RX-3 of which only one was made for the NASA Lunar program. It is of modular construction with magnesium/lithium alloys in the rotary seals, and electron-beam welding techniques which helped reduce the weight of this suit to 63 lbs from the 90 pound weight of previous models
These experimental suits were part of NASA's Advanced Extra-Vehicular Suits (AES) program. They could operate at higher pressure, thus reducing the time-consuming oxygen pre-breathing period before extra vehicular activities.
NASA transferred this suit to the Museum in 1976.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Date
11/1966
Inventory Number
A19760872000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Pressure Suits
Materials
Overall: Aluminium honeycomb with fiberglass and PVC covering
Knees: Lamb or goatskin covering
Other: Anodized aluminum, steel, natural rubber, copper, plastic, velcro, neoprene-coated nylon, leather
Dimensions
Approximately: 75 inches long x 35 inches wide x 16 inches deep (190.5 x 88.9 x 40.64cm)
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_A19760872000