Fascinating photographic archive documenting the development of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) and the Portable Life Support System (PLSS), consisting of 86 vintage photos from NASA and the International Latex Corporation. The images in great detail chronicle the design and progression of both the Apollo-era space suit and EVA-enabling PLSS backpack. The official NASA photos, 8 x 10 and 10 x 8, include: 12 color glossy red-numbered photos; 13 glossy black-numbered photos; and three glossy photos. The ILC Industries photos, ranging in size from 8 x 10 to 11 x 8.5, include: 21 glossy photos, dated between October 1967 and April 1968; 15 glossy 8.5 x 11 photos, with the reverse bearing International Latex Corporation and “Unclassified” stamps, and the majority dated to January 1967; and 22 matte-finish and glossy photos, 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 8.5, with four bearing punch holes to an edge. In overall fine condition. After initially working on high-altitude pressure helmets and suits for the US Navy and Air Force, the International Latex Corporation (ILC) began to focus on producing suits for the upcoming Apollo program. ILC’s dedication to the project, not to mention their output of 10 prototype suits in 1963, earned them the prime contract for the Apollo Lunar Space Suit two years later. ILC would go on to outfit every astronaut in the Apollo program, including all twelve moonwalkers. An exceptional compilation of photographs documenting the progress of the famed Apollo space suit. From the collection of Dan Schaiewitz, who worked as Extravehicular Crew Training Engineer at KSC.
