A Space Wardrobe-Interactive photos: (& some added history- really neat)

This has to be one the best all around fun and learning threads-for me. I had a blast doing this one-and it took some work. I hope you enjoy

At the Source Article
www.nytimes.com...
you can access the interactive photos of the suits-check it out, you won't be disappointed-well most of you won't). Click on them and over them to see things up close. Example. This one here:

Freedom 7 Suit:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/a6d4539db45a.jpg[/atsimg]
The orignal suit worn by Alan B. Shepard, one of the original "Mercury 7". He wore this suit on the first flight of an Ameican Astronaut in 1961 (be sure to note the name on the suit)

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/b5716946e8ad.jpg[/atsimg]
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/910504d3fd9a.jpg[/atsimg]
View of Astronaut Alan Shepard inside the Freedom 7 (notice the name on the suit in the 2nd photo-what a nice tie together piece)
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MARK IV Suit:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/8678136f7ddf.jpg[/atsimg]
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/f1613af3ab58.jpg[/atsimg]

The Navy Mark IV (or the "Mercury spacesuit") high-altitude pressure suit was a full-body pressure suit originally developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company and the U.S. Navy for wear in high-altitude fighter aircraft operations. It is best known for its role as the spacesuit worn for all manned Project Mercury spaceflights.

Source: en.wikipedia.org...
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Universal Helmut X-Ray: (how cool is this!)
Universal Helmut X-Ray:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/cdf53c632a43.jpg[/atsimg]This 1964 A4-H “Universal” helmet, was designed to fit on more than one suit. The X-ray reveals ball bearings in the neck ring that allow the helmut to move right and left without restriction

NOTE: There are several more X-ray shots of the rest of an outfit. Pretty good stuff-at the source article-sorry. Besides, you can interact with the photo more there. And, at this sight:
www.sites.si.edu...
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The EX Hard Space Suit Series (AX-2 shown at source):

EX-3:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/326f42122b6c.jpg[/atsimg]
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/e2475743a78e.jpg[/atsimg]

AX-5:
[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/41565e1f5b1c.jpg[/atsimg]

American space suit, tested 1964-68. Between 1964 and 1968 two hard suit assemblies were developed at NASA-ARC, identified as the AX-1 (Ames Experimental) and AX-2. These suits were the first to demonstrate multiple bearing technology. The AX-3 was an 0.5 bar suit, 23 kg, 0.5 to 0.7 bar operational pressure, with improved mobility and was completed in 1977. The program culminated in the development of the prototype AX-5, an all hard suit for high pressure application and zero prebreathe in the 1980's. The AX-5 shared common design goals with the ILC Mark III. For example, they had to be easy to get into and out of, be comfortable to wear, and allow adequate mobility and range of motion for the jobs to be performed. Both were designed to be altered to fit different size astronauts. Gross mass: 23 kg (50 lb).

Source: www.astronautix.com...

Well, I hope this thread got your interest and you go to the main source piece and the other links I posted here. I wish I could do more but it's late. Enjoy and have fun checking this stuff out. I have to admit that the Hard Suits really was fun reading about. The minds at work for this stuff is amazing. Better hope Russia or China doesn't come around offering them some serious money.

reply to post by anon72


Very interesting read! thank you

This one is definitely the coolest and most scifi looking!

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/2c5b072cfb09.jpg[/atsimg]

Wow, this would be perfect for Chi gung practice


A.

Note, I couldn't edit. So, I noticed an error.

The: EX-3:

Should Read: AX-3

reply to post by davespanners


I totally agree with you. And, if I was a canidate for space travel, the one I would pick-out of all the ones I saw and read about.

I love these Hard Suits. A testiment to man. Seriously. Those things are the future of Space Exploration. That is why I put it on the thread.

I found some great info and pics of the training taking place in them. Let me see if I can find it. With a vid. I can't believe I didn't put it on the thread.

reply to post by Analyzing


Kinda funny.... they sort of look like my Major Matt Matson toys from the late 60's, early 70's. Those were the bomb.

reply to post by pavil


They sure do. Great post.

I love the pic. I never heard of this character. Was a show, comic book etc? Action Figure?