Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit Service (SITES)

The history of this country is one of perilous voyages and uncharted territory, but few journeys have captured the imagination and hearts of the public as the race into space. It was seemingly unattainable, but American ingenuity, innovation, and determination made the impossible possible. And it is that ingenuity and innovation that is explored and celebrated in the SITES exhibit Suited for Space.

Through rare and original photography, including unique, new x-ray images of the interiors of the spacesuits, the exhibit reveals how the modern technological marvel that is the spacesuit enables astronauts to live and work in space. This exhibit reveals the remarkable creativity and determination of the extraordinary few who ventured into space, but it highlights and showcases the brilliant ingenuity of the hundreds more who worked tirelessly—and often anonymously—to get them there.

In May 1961, when President Kennedy made the promise that America would put a man on the moon within a decade, the ability to fulfill that promise existed only in theory. The spacesuit was a critical piece of engineering that allowed Neil Armstrong to step onto another world and survive in the hostile environment of outer space. The Apollo spacesuit he wore evolved from the groundbreaking advances of the Gemini and Mercury mission suits, facilitating movement and dexterity in small spaces, remaining pressurized in zero gravity, and providing essential oxygen, heating, and cooling in as efficient a manner as possible. Suited for Space is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum. The national exhibition tour is generously supported by DuPont.