Sep 10 1979
From The Space Library
JSC reported on trials of a Buck Rogers-style maneuvering unit designed for moving about and working outside the Space Shuttle. Officially named Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU), the device worn on the back of a space suited astronaut would allow movement in the weightlessness of space using nitrogen gas jets to control direction.
Martin Marietta, the manufacturer, had submitted a prototype the previous week for three months of testing on different-sized astronauts (including female candidates) for fit and mechanical performance in use. Astronaut Dr. Bruce McCandless had successfully checked out the unit's compatibility with the self-contained portable life-support system, wearing a spacesuit and backing into the maneuvering unit as it would be located in the orbiter cargo bay, "like backing into a phone booth with a large knapsack on your back," KSC would get the first flight unit early in 1980. (JSC Release 79-55)
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