A Lunar Space Suit from the 1940s

If you get a chance to get to the National Space Centre you will see a space suit designed in the middle of the last century!

The British Interplanetary Society was formed in 1933 "promote the exploration and use of space for the benefit of humanity, by connecting people to create, educate and inspire, and advance knowledge in all aspects of astronautics". At the start of a project to create an exhibition about Britain's role in the space race, the chance discovery of a picture of a man in a suit of armour turned out to be rather more than that. Harry Ross and Ralph Smith, by 1949, had worked up detailed plans for a space suit which was never actually made... until now. And yes, textiles are involved, used to make a "multilayered protective bubble" to keep the wearer safe. Read all about the making of the suit for the exhibition on the BIS website  and do send us a picture if you get to see it in person. It is all Rather Wonderful, isn't it?