A well-used Class III trainer Apollo Portable Life Support System (PLSS) strap from an Apollo A7-LB spacesuit used during training for walking on the lunar surface. Beta cloth covered strap measures 17″ long with a latching clip at the end. Back of the strap shows areas of Kapton foil, has a snap located at the center, and is labeled at the top in an unknown hand, “Mock Up Use Only.” In very good condition, with expected wear and soiling from use.
The PLSS (backpack) was secured directly to the astronauts' spacesuits with four straps. Each strap ended with a latching clip. The shoulder straps connected to a ring assembly on the upper chest of the suit, and were designed to carry the majority of the weight of the PLSS. The lower straps, preventing the PLSS from shifting sideways, were connected to rings just above each hip. The length of each strap could be adjusted to ensure optimum fit. Strap was used at the Kennedy Space Center for training during the Apollo program. RRAuction COA.
