A.J.’s (Ben Affleck) spacesuit from Michael Bay’s sci-fi adventure Armageddon. The hot-headed drill operator wore his spacesuit as he traversed the asteroid’s surface to assist Harry (Bruce Willis) and the Freedom crew in saving Earth from its impending destruction.

Affleck was one of the first actors to guinea-pig the space suits, which weigh over 30kg (approximately 70lbs) and cost more than $1 million to design and create, after extensive redesigns at Bay’s personal request. Affleck essentially tested how the spacesuit looked and fit before a nervous Willis, who started late on the film, came to the set.

Constructed primarily from a heavy-weave, nylon-like material, the costume consists of a helmet; a top and trousers zipped together at the waist; a resin, foam-lined collar; a front-and-back pack; a pair of gloves with metal locking rings; a utility belt; and a pair of modified Adidas boots covered in dress-up components.

The helmet is made of grey fibreglass with a wide acrylic visor allowing clear visibility. Each component features highly detailed metal, plastic and resin adornments. Handwritten labels, reading “AJ”, are located on both parts of the pack and on the top and trousers, with a label reading “Ben Affleck AJ Clean” on the belt.

Powered by an elaborate battery system, electronic components are fitted to the helmet and chest pack that allow them to illuminate with multiple LEDs. Demisting fans are housed inside the pack, linking to the helmet, to supply the actor with plenty of air and ventilation while performing on set. These particular modifications were added after Bay had found Affleck almost passing out due to a lack of air supply.

Distressed for use on the production, giving the appearance of heavy wear from navigating the unforgiving asteroid terrain, the suit shows signs of deterioration on the foam components, with some breaks, cracks and small missing parts throughout. Dimensions (displayed): 42 cm x 70 cm x 200 cm (16 ½” x 27 ½” x 79”)

This item contains electronic components. While every effort has been made to describe them accurately, no guarantee or warranty is made as to the functionality, lifespan or safety of those components. It is entirely incumbent on the new owner to satisfy themselves as to their safe use and maintenance.

£15,000 - 20,000