This section has been added as a follow-up to the Soviet Union Krechet suit page, because the Orlan suit owes so much of it’s design to the Krechet. The Orlan is being used to this day on board the International Space Station.
Above: Orlan M on EVA on Mir. Note that the “CCCP” Soviet Union flag (left shoulder) seen on the Orlan below (and top right on this page) has been replaced by the flag of the Russian Federation. Also note the Mir program patch on the right shoulder
testing fit
of Orlan suit
Above: First 6 photos courtesy Mr. Michael Koivisto.
Compare to this photo of Krechet
suit
Above: Backpack interior details
Above: 5 photos of the Orlan suit on display with the Eurodisney LK Lunar Landing Vehicle. Note that the exterior thermal layer is not applied, showing the underlying details of the suit.
Zvezda SPK/YMK Manned Manuevering Unit
The SPK Manned Manuevering Unit was flown tethered twice outside the Mir space station.
Left attached to the Mir, it was destroyed when that vehicle reentered earth’s atmosphere.
Above: Left, center, and right views of Orlan-SPK EVA configuration.
Note the similarity to US MMU. The right glove of suit has been removed and
the right arm of SPK is folded down. A small white pack at display’s basewas worn at waist while on EVA. It is probably a tether reel pack.
Right photo is of rear of SPK, showing flaps opened to reveal main prop tanks.
Above Left: Closeup from photo above, left center. Right hand controller, stowed
Center: Left hand controller, deployed
Right: Closeup from center photo of left hand controller
