TYLER (KYTX) - It's a detailed look at the development of space suits across the years, and it's right here in Tyler.
Dozens headed to Tyler Junior College's Center for Earth & Space Science Education Saturday to see the brand new "Suited for Space" exhibit, which shows off the newest developments in space suit engineering.
Pictures, videos, and real life models detail a long journey of NASA creations.
"The story started back in the mercury program when we first wanted to send humans into space and we really didn't know what was going to happen. We needed a new vehicle and a new suit to protect that human inside and over the course of our historic programs to present we've done a lot of development in space suit design," says NASA Project Engineer Heather Paul came from Houston to talk to Tylerites about space suits.
It was all fascinating for Courtney Bugg and her grandparents Robert and LouAnn Lewis.
"I've been a fan of the space program since early on," LouAnne says. "I remember the Mercury Program and made scrap books and such and have followed it all the way through."
They've seen space exploration develop through their lives, and are thrilled to show their granddaughter the program's growth.
"We're just really happy that Tyler Junior College has such a facility for the community and we're here to bring our granddaughter to experience through these pictures what we experienced as it happened," Robert says.
A crowd favorite was the Apollo suit from the late 60's and early 70's, which Paul says has been a springboard for more recent space suits.
"Probably our biggest developments over the course of history is in suit mobility and movement and also the life support systems, the oxygen, the water, the battery power, all of the equipment you need to keep your space suit alive and keep you alive," Paul says.
The exhibit is fueling excitement for future space suits that will travel through new territories, many have only dreamed of.
Paul says there are similar exhibits across the country, in places like the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. She tells CBS 19 she's thrilled to see them in smaller communities like Tyler, where the excitement about space is just as strong.
