The Spacesuit-Time Continuum

with special thanks to Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

As NASA's missions evolve to reflect changing ambitions in space, a small army of specialists - from materials scientists to zipper-designers - craft the clothing that allows astronauts to stay alive and perform tasks under unearthly conditions.

From the style factor of silver coating to the quest for the perfect glove, and from John Glenn's pressure suit to the space garments of tomorrow, take this timeline tour of treasures from the U.S. national collection.