GAGARIN'S SPACE SUIT

Yuri Gagarin wore this SK-1 pressure suit during training exercises for his April 12, 1961, flight on Vostok. Notable features include a visored helmet that is not detachable from the suit; the inflatable rubber collar for use in the event of water landing; the bright orange nylon oversuit, which has a mirror sewn into the sleeve to help the cosmonaut locate hard-to-see switches and gauges; and the gray-checked pressure liner with connectors for life-support and communications hoses. The suit also has leather-palm gloves, heavy leather boots, and a leather-covered radio headset.

Manufacturer: Zvezda

Lent by Emmet, Toni, and Tessa Stephenson

VOSTOK FLIGHT PLAN

Feoktistov's draft checklist for the first man in space instructs Gagarin to follow certain procedures before launch, in orbit, and during descent. This is a copy made from the original manuscript.

Courtesy of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums

JOHN GLENN'S SPACE SUIT

John Glenn wore this space suit on February 20, 1962, when he became the first American to orbit the Earth. Like the Gagarin suit, its design was adapted from high-altitude pressure suits worn by aircraft pilots. Glenn's suit was a lightweight multi-layered garment with an aluminized nylon cover layer. Thirteen zippers, plus custom-fitted gloves, boots, and helmet, assured a snug fit.

Manufacturer: B.F. Goodrich Co.

Transferred from NASA