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Life Jacket with Camera Mirror, Glenn, Friendship 7

Object Details

Summary
This life jacket was issued to John Glenn for his Friendship 7 flight in February 1962. The life jacket is the self-inflating tube-type Navy issue life jacket made of rubberized nylon. It was strapped to his chest with the convex mirror fastened to the front.
The mirror had the dual purpose of a reflecting mirror in case of mission abort when the astronaut could use the mirror to attract rescuers. The other use was for reflection of the instrument panel in order to enable the staff of Mission Control to take instrument readings.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA in 1967.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Astronaut
John H. Glenn, Jr.
Manufacturer
Unknown
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA - Manned Spacecraft Center
Materials
Bag and Interior: Nylon, rubber impregnated nylon
Straps: Nylon
Dimensions
3-D: 15.2 x 7.6 x 21.6cm (6 x 3 x 8 1/2 in.)
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Life Support

Featured In

  • Human Spaceflight
Straps on back of yellow rubber life vest with ball of cork attached by string
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.
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Straps on back of yellow rubber life vest with ball of cork attached by string
Folded, yellow, rubber life vest with ball of cork attached by string

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