Launch Entry Suit

After Challenger, NASA, in need of an escape system, also required the reintroduction of the wearing of pressure suits during the launch and landing portions of the flight.

For the first "Return to Flight" STS-26, the five-man astronaut crew wore, for the first time, new Launch & Entry Pressure Suits (LES).

Resembling the Gemini spacesuit in appearance, but identical in function to the SR-71 partial-pressure suits, the new LES suits featured a one-piece torso-limb suit with a Nomex outer layer (which NASA was able to use on the Shuttle due to the mixed nitrogen/oxygen sea-level atmosphere), closed with a rear-entry zipper, and featuring a full-pressure helmet with a polycarbonate clear faceplate, mechanical seal, and black sunshade, zippered-on gloves (resembling the gloves used by astronaut Alan Shepard on his Mercury space suit), heavy black "paratrooper" style safety boots, and a survival backpack, which is donned prior to entering the Orbiter and contains a parachute, life raft, survival gear, and a 30-minute supply of breathing oxygen and a water tank.

Because of the limitations of protection the LES could offer, NASA and the David Clark Company introduced the current ACES design in 1995, which thereafter was the only suit used for Shuttle missions.

[4] Name: Launch Entry Suit (S1032)[4] Derived from: USAF Model S1031[4] Manufacturer: David Clark Company[4] Missions: STS-26 to STS-79, STS-81 to STS-83, STS-94 to STS-85, STS-87 to STS-90, STS-88[1][2] Function: Intra-vehicular activity (IVA)[4] Pressure type: Partial[4] Operating pressure: 2.7 psi (18.6 kPa)[4] Suit weight: 30 lb (13.6 kg)[4] Parachute and survival systems weight: 64 lb (29 kg)[4] Total weight: 94 lb (42.6 kg)[4] Primary life support: Vehicle Provided[4] Backup life support: 10 minutes[4] Kenneth S. Thomas & Harold J. McMann (2006).