Gemini missions lasted up to 14 days and featured the first American spacewalks, where crewmen ventured outside their spacecraft. The Gemini program (1965–66) included 12 flights with two crewmen each, and eight Gemini astronauts were US Air Force officers.
The G4C suit was the most common of three basic models used in Gemini. It was much more comfortable than the earlier Mercury suits. In the slightly larger Gemini spacecraft, astronauts could move around and take off their helmets and gloves. The suit on display represents the basic G4C for wear inside the spacecraft. When working outside the spacecraft, astronauts wore G4C suits with extra cover layers and equipment. Some Gemini spacewalks lasted more than 2 hours.
The blue fitting on the torso is for a breathing and cooling oxygen hose. Air circulated through the suit and exited through a hose attached to the red fitting. The smaller attachment above the blue inlet is for communications and biomedical instrumentation. The strap on the front of the suit helped the astronaut bend forward to maintain a sitting posture because the inflated suit made movement difficult and tiring.
This suit is a reproduction and is on display in the museum's fourth building.
(Video) Space Suits Lecture from museum historian Dr. Doug Lantry
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