Remarkably early prototype G2-C-1 space suit specifically designed and fitted for Gemini 3 Command Pilot Gus Grissom, with this particular pressure suit made by the David Clark Company as a developmental version of the final Gemini spacesuit. The G2-C was used by crew members for wear testing and functionality evaluation; the suit was not the actual model flown, but it has many of the same attributes of the final suit flown on the first Gemini mission (the G3-C). Inner collar contains the original manufacturer’s label: “Space Suit, NASA Designation G-2C-1, Mfg. David Clark Co. Inc., P/N S964A, Ser. No. 101, Size Grissom, May 1963.” Interestingly, this suit is without its initial aluminized outer fabric, with which the earlier G2-C training suits were originally equipped; suit engineers initially thought that the silver coating's reflectivity would be adequate to protect astronauts from heat fluctuations and solar radiation during spacewalks. Subsequent tests determined that a layered, white, fire resistant coverlayer performed better. This cream-colored pressure suit features one red and one silver hose connector to lower torso, a smaller port to left wrist marked “SER 101,” and a larger silver communications port to left chest, which is stamped “P-4161 Ser. 142.” A robust zipper runs from the back of the neck to the front of the crotch, the neck ring bears a pulley-type wire cord stamped “P-A4543, SN 128,” and the upper chest bears stitch outlines from removed name and NASA ‘meatball’ patches. In overall very good to fine condition, with scattered wear and light stains, zipper no longer working, and the right arm removed from bicep down (ostensibly for wrist ring fitting). A fascinating and well-utilized preliminary training suit—the second of its kind to be designed by the Dave Clark Company and a direct precursor to the flight-approved G3C suit—made all the more desirable by its affiliation with Gus Grissom, the tragic Apollo 1 astronaut for whom this suit was specially made.
