Launch-Entry Suit
Launch-Entry Suit
Space Shuttle
The Launch-Entry Suit was a partial-pressure suit worn by Space Shuttle astronauts to protect against loss of cabin pressure during ascent and descent. Introduced after the 1986 Challenger accident, it was used until the late 1990s, when the full pressure Advanced Crew Escape Suit was phased out.
Informally called the "pumpkin suit" for its bright color, it pressurized at 3.2 pounds per square inch, and the inflated internal bladder exerted mechanical pressure on the crewmember's body. The helmet visor and neck dam were pressure seals, but the gloves were not; they connected to the suit by a tube and needle valve. The Launch-Entry Suit included an integrated "g-suit" to prevent blood from pooling in the lower body during reentry. The vest-like harness worn over the suit contained a parachute, breathing air tank, and survival gear for an emergency bail-out.
This suit was never worn in space. The gloves, boots and harness were worn in training or flight. All launch-entry helmets are still in use in NASA's inventory of flight gear.
Launch-Entry Suit
Launch-Entry Suit
Space Shuttle
The Launch-Entry Suit was a partial-pressure suit worn by Space Shuttle astronauts to protect against loss of cabin pressure during ascent and descent. Introduced after the 1986 Challenger accident, it was used until the late 1990s, when the full pressure Advanced Crew Escape Suit was phased out.
Informally called the "pumpkin suit" for its bright color, it pressurized at 3.2 pounds per square inch, and the inflated internal bladder exerted mechanical pressure on the crewmember's body. The helmet visor and neck dam were pressure seals, but the gloves were not; they connected to the suit by a tube and needle valve. The Launch-Entry Suit included an integrated "g-suit" to prevent blood from pooling in the lower body during reentry. The vest-like harness worn over the suit contained a parachute, breathing air tank, and survival gear for an emergency bail-out.
This suit was never worn in space. The gloves, boots and harness were worn in training or flight. All launch-entry helmets are still in use in NASA's inventory of flight gear.