Life Raft, Self-inflating, Freedom 7

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufacturer
Zodiac international Corp.
Summary
In the event of a landing outside the primary landing area, Mercury astronauts carried a variety of survival equipment aboard their spacecraft. These included food, water, knives, rope, matches, medical supplies, a radio transceiver, a compass, a rescue beacon, a radar reflector, a life vest, and a life raft similar to this one. This self-inflating life raft was part of the survival kit in Freedom 7, the first Mercury mission, in which Alan Shepard became the first American in space.
NASA transferred Freedom 7 to the Smithsonian in 1962. This object was found inside the spacecraft in 1977.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19771199000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Survival
Materials
Exterior pouch: plastic covered textile, aluminum hooks, velcro, and polyester
Dimensions
3-D: 34.3 x 22.9 x 11.4cm (13 1/2 x 9 x 4 1/2 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A19771199000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9076466b9-9cfa-451b-8eda-1492bd68f17d
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