SOKOL KV-2 ("FALCON") SPACESUIT

Full pressure suit, manufactured by Zvezda, approx. 67 inches tall. White outer restraint later of white nylon canvas with internal pressure bladder. Integral helmet with soft hood and polycarbonate visor labeled "З ДЩИТНОЕ СТЕКЛО" [Protective Glass] locking with blue anodized aluminum flange. Integrated pressure valve on chest reading "ОТВЕРНУТЬ ДО СРЕДНЕГО УПОРА ПЕРЕД ПОЛЕТОМ РДСП 3М 01" [unscrew fully to medium before flight RDSP 3M 01]. Support sling running from chest to back using webbed belts and metal clips, arms with trussed sleeves with adjustable articulating cables and webbed belt lashings. Pressure gauge on left sleeve; detachable gloves. Lace-up crotch covered with triangular placket, legs with pleated knees, each with utility pockets and integral soled boots. Gloves marked "ГП-7С-2 - 1060099" and "ГП-7С-1 - 0980183" at cuff, soles of boots marked "54-3-43".

The Sokol space suit was, and still is, worn by all who fly on the Soyuz spacecraft. The suit was developed in 1973-1979 with the goal of supporting a suited astronaut for up to 30 hours in a pressurized cabin and two hours in an unpressurized one. Described by manufacturers NPP Zvezda as a rescue suit, the KV-2 is designed to keep the wearer alive in the event of an accidental depressurization rather than being used outside the spacecraft in a spacewalk or EVA. The suit was developed following the disastrous loss of the Soyuz 11 crew in 1971 through sudden depressurization and was first used on the Soyuz T-2 mission, launched on June 5, 1980. By 2003, 220 flight models and 63 test and training suits had been manufactured. 

The wearer climbed into the suit through the zippered front opening, sealing the suit by gathering folds of the space suit cloth and wrapping rubber bands around them. Other than the detachable gloves, the suit and helmet were one piece. Internal wiring and lack of ventilation (the wearers had to carry their own ventilator to avoid overheating) made the suit uncomfortable to move around in.