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Apollo A6L Prototype Spacesuit

Apollo A6L Prototype Spacesuit
The A6L was the International Latex Corp. 2-Part prototype spacesuit that preceded the A7L suit which was eventually used during the Apollo program. The change was inspired by the Apollo 1 fire which showed the need for additional fireproofing in the Command Module and astronaut spacesuits. There are several differences between this suit and the A7L, not the least being that this is a two-piece spacesuit and the A7L final version was a one-piece. Spacesuit development was an ongoing process (based on testing and astronaut input as it was used) and, even the A7L eventually evolved into the A7LB version that was used on the Apollo 15-17 flights. This jacket has a label insert that reads: "Item Jacket Assy TMG, Spec CP1003; A6L204050-01; Model 1003A; Size Large Long; Serial 009; Date 2/67, Contract No. NAS 9-6100; NASA 74897".
This is a later version of the previous A6L spacesuit we offered, which, based on the label, was manufactured three months later. One of the major differences we note is the addition of large white Velcro patches on the upper chest and shoulders. There are undoubtedly others. The jacket has a covered zipper down the front and two covered tube connector ports. The uncovered ports on the reverse and the pocket (as seen in the previous A6L spacesuit) are no longer there. The trousers have a label that reads: "Trousers Assy TMG, Spec CP1003; A6L205050-01; Model 1003A; Size Medium Regular; Serial 012; Date 2/67, Contract No. NAS 9-6100; NASA 74897. These have an elastic waist, long vertical zippers on each let and two metal rings and a metal clip on the waist. The suit is a thickly padded micrometeoroid garment filled with layers of Mylar and other materials designed to prevent a micrometeoroid from penetrating and puncturing the inner pressure suit worn by the astronaut while on an EVA. The exterior of the suit is white Beta cloth and the interior appears to be completely lined with gray Chromel-R cloth. This suit is in excellent overall condition. An important addition to any collection.

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