Whole Object Name
British Interplanetary Society Lunar Spacesuit
Collection
Spacesuits and Clothing
Description
Realisation model of the 1949 British Interplanetary Society (BIS) Lunar Spacesuit.
During the 1940s, BIS members Harry Ross and Ralph Smith worked on the first serious scientific study of what a spacesuit for the Moon would look like. Smith drew detailed pictures and schematics, which accompanied a paper the two men wrote for the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society (JBIS).
Using only materials and techniques available in the 1940s, historic costume makers Ancient Wisdom worked with the National Space Centre to make Ross and Smith's design in the real world.
The suit comes with a life support backpack, rock collecting hammer, shooting-stick, and even a cape - which forms part of an ingenious climate control system for the wearer.
Object number
2019-10