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The AX-2 was designed at NASA Ames Research Center in the mid-1960s by "Vic" Vykukal. A lunar prototype suit designed to operate at 5 pounds per square inch, it has "stovepipe" mobility joints which are hard metal that screw together, metal bellows (to help with airflow), and a bearing at the waist (to provide flexibility to the suit). Sealed bearings (pieces that fit together) between the stovepipe joints allowed each element to rotate.
Although the suit functioned as intended, NASA chose the "soft" suit for use on the lunar surface, and this suit was the last of its type.
Artifact location in the Museum
Artifact location in the Museum
The Pressure Suit AX-2 is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Additional information
Additional information
Bye Bye Hard Suit
Bye Bye Hard Suit
The AX-2 Suit was not a practical design. It's hard pieces made moving difficult and was hard for the astronaut to maneuver in space.
What perks may the hard suit have provided?
What perks may the hard suit have provided?
Protection from Micrometeors was excellent in the hard suit. There was no possibility of the suit snagging, tearing, or ripping a hole from something sharp in or out of the spacecraft.
Side view of the AX-2 Suit
AX-2 Suit Helmet
Soft vs. Hard Suits
Soft vs. Hard Suits
The soft suit allowed better mobility for astronauts and was much more comfortable for them to wear. So the AX-2 pressure suit with it's hard shell was retired.
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