Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 10-20-2014 07:30 PM               

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Can someone please tell me exactly when the orange pumpkin suits were used on shuttle flights and how long they were used?

I've got a cheaper replica pair of orange gloves I'd love to get signed by Mike Mullane and maybe Kathy Thornton or Rhea Seddon but I'm not sure who exactly used them. Thanks.

Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 10-20-2014 07:50 PM               

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There were two types of orange suits worn during the space shuttle program: the Launch Entry Suit (LES) and the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES).

LES, the original "pumpkin suit," was introduced with the first return to flight, STS-26, in 1988 and was worn through STS-65 in 1994. ACES then took its place and was worn throughout the remainder of the program.

Both were worn by crew members for launch and entry.

Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

Posts: 873
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 10-21-2014 05:16 AM               

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I may be wrong but I thought the LES suits where used from STS-1 through the entire shuttle test program then again starting with STS-26?

Not sure if this is accurate.

Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 10-21-2014 07:16 AM               

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STS-1 through STS-4 crews used David Clark Company Model S1030A Shuttle Ejection Escape Suits, which were modified from Model S1030 (worn by SR-71 pilots).

STS-5 thorugh STS-51L crews wore 7 ounce flame retardant 100% cotton Launch/Entry Coveralls produced by the Houston Division of ILC Dover.