Apollo A7L/A7LB LEVA

The Apollo lunar extravehicular activity visor assembly (LEVA) was an outer helmet which was worn over the pressure helmet assembly or "bubble" helmet while performing EVAs on the moon or during the trans-Earth coast (in the case of Apollo 15 through Apollo 17).

The LEVA provided visual, thermal, and mechanical protection to the astronaut's helmet. It was composed of a plastic shell, sunshades, and two visors. The LEVA underwent a number of minor design changes, incorporating feedback from astronauts who actually used it on the lunar surface. In particular, the number and design of the sunshades varied from mission to mission. This appears to be an earlier LEVA, before astronaut experience led to improved sunshades.

A LEVA/PGA interface collar was worn at the base of the LEVA to provide thermal and dust protection for the suit's neck ring. This collar is frequently displayed with the LEVA.

I visited this exhibit twice; between my visits, the protective visor was moved, so it appears in two different positions in the various photos.

See my info page on the LEVA.