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NASA-issued Nomex flight suit and two flown ‘No. 3’ coverall patches from the personal collection of legendary NASA suit technician Alan M. Rochford, who joined NASA in 1960 and, alongside fellow suit tech Joe Schmitt, oversaw the prelaunch equipment preparation, fitting, and suiting up of astronauts across each major American spaceflight program—Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle—up to and until he retired in December 1997, following his final working mission, STS-87.
The two flown Nomex ‘3’ patches, both 4.25 x 6.5, were carried into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the STS-68 mission, which launched on September 30, 1994, and remained in Earth’s orbit for over 11 days. Both patches bear three female Velcro strips to the reverse.
Rochford’s cream-colored Nomex suit, size medium, features sewn-on “3” patches to both arms, the left leg, and the back, a leather “Al Rochford, ‘Retired’” NASA name patch to the left chest, which also bears a NASA ‘meatball’ logo patch and a rare NASA/KSC ‘Astronaut Closeout Patch,’ an STS-87 mission patch to the right chest, American flag and NASA ‘Crew and Thermal Systems Division’ patches to the shoulders, and a large ‘meatball’ patch to the back. Of further interest is a laminated suit checklist adhered to the right wrist, which reads: “Lumbar Pad, Headrest, Tiedown Straps,” “Parachute (4 Places),” “Seat Belt & Shoulder Straps,” “LCG Conn. 190° Nozzle,” “O2 Connection - Manifold Off,” “G-Suit Clip,” “Helmet - Connect At CCA & HIU,” “COMM Power On,” “Kneeboard, Mirror,” “Gloves,” “RHC Cover Off,” “Install FDF,” “Cookie Sheets Out,” and “Chemlights/Side Hatch Pin.” The inner 'Barrier-Wear' collar tag is marked in black ink, "AL." In overall fine condition, with expected wear from use.
Rochford and other closeout crew members wore these Nomex suits in the White Room during ‘TCDT’ and launch at the Kennedy Space Center. To keep track of those in the area, NASA cameras would look for unique number patches found on the suits of the working crewmembers, with Rochford designated as crew member No. 3.
Among Rochford’s more atypical missions was in the lead-up to the STS-68 mission, when it was discovered that the ‘3’ patch on his back was missing. To Rochford’s dismay, his missing ‘3’ became a serious matter due to the astronauts already being strapped in for flight, and the possibility that the ‘3’ may have fallen into the hatch seal, which would necessitate a launch delay.
Fortunately for Rochford, the flight of STS-68 was delayed for an unrelated reason, and his ‘3’ back patch was found on the flight deck. To prevent the problem from recurring, identifying number patches were sewn onto the coveralls of all crew coveralls. With the flight postponed for more than a month, the crew of STS-68 planned a surprise for Rochford when they secretly obtained two of his No. 3 patches and stowed them for flight aboard the Endeavour. When they returned to Earth, they presented to Rochford these patches and gave him a few signed photographs as mementos.
Includes a certificate of authenticity from the crew of STS-68, signed and flight-certified by all six astronauts (Mike Baker, Terry Wilcutt, Steven L. Smith, Dan Bursch, Jeff Wisoff, and Tom Jones), an official red-numbered NASA photo of the STS-68 crew, signed by all and inscribed to Rochford by “The 68 Gang,” and three additional red-numbered NASA photos of STS-68 astronauts Baker, Jones, and Smith (all showing them wearing or holding a No. 3 patch during the mission), all inscribed to Rochford. Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Rochford, and three photographs of Rochford wearing the offered flight suit.
