SK-1 spacesuit
Spacesuit of the Vostok programme
On display
The SK-1 was derived from the pressure suit of high-altitude pilots. A two-layer structure: a sealed rubber bladder and a load-bearing fabric layer, with a bright orange outer cover for post-landing search. The helmet visor closed automatically if cabin pressure fell.
Each suit was custom-fitted to a cast and rated for five hours of autonomous life support. It was not needed on a nominal flight — but readiness for the off-nominal case is precisely what separates crewed hardware from uncrewed.
On display is the suit on a mannequin with helmet and the ventilation hose connector.
