Protective suits were unnecessary until airplanes achieved fast speeds and high-flight altitudes. Medical researchers then conducted a special study of human physiology during flight. New, stronger, high-temperature-resistant synthetic materials were developed. This research permitted humans to walk in space and on the Moon and made it possible to build and maintain a permanent space station.

1930s: Early Pressure Suits

In 1933 Wiley Post, while flying air races, discovered that he could not fly in the jet stream unless he had a pressurized enclosed cabin or wore a pressurized suit. After Post contacted the B. F. Goodrich Company, engineer Russell Colley's group designed a suit that could hold 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) of pressure. Two latex-dipped metal forms spliced together shaped the upper and lower torso. The outer layer of three-ply cotton fabric with arms allowed the wearer to reach the stick and throttle. Post, in this pressure suit, made...