This silent footage shows spacesuit dexterity tests. It likely dates to the Apollo Program era. Some of the tests seem to involve servicing of the Lunar Module’s descent propulsion system (aka lunar module descent engine). The spacesuit shown at :27 appears to be an Apollo SPD-143, also known as the Apollo Developmental AX1-L, made by ILC Industries starting in 1963. (ILC stands for International Latex Corp., based in Dover, Delaware.). A second suit is used at 3:47, looks similar to a rocket fuel handlers suit such as that used with the Titan missile. It’s probably a Navy Mark IV. The goal of these tests was to study how different suits and gloves affected dexterity with simulated tasks, such as using a tool (possibly a ratchet or wrench) at :28, or loosening a hose connection at 1:14. At 4:16, the test subject assembles an electrical switch and uses a ratchet at 4:30 to tighten it down.

We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 — President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.”

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com