“`html
spacesuit design.” />Axiom Space
- Axiom Space has teamed up with Prada to create an innovative spacesuit.
- This suit is being developed for NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission.
- If successful, this mission could mark the historic moment when a woman and a person of color walk on the lunar surface.
The next astronaut to set foot on the moon may do so in remarkable style.
On Wednesday, Axiom Space introduced a new spacesuit designed by Prada at the International Astronautical Congress held in Milan, Italy, where Prada’s headquarters are located.
This cutting-edge suit is intended for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to achieve the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972 if all goes according to plan.
Axiom Space, based in Houston and co-founded by former NASA official Michael Suffredini, announced its partnership with the renowned Italian fashion house back in October 2023.
The officially named Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) represents a significant evolution from early NASA suits worn by Mercury astronauts during the 1960s.
Axiom Space
“Our exceptional teams have transformed how we approach spacesuit development,” stated Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space. “We have shattered traditional boundaries. The collaboration between Axiom Space and Prada has established a pioneering model for cross-industry partnerships that broadens what can be achieved within commercial space exploration.”
According to their press release, designers from Prada collaborated closely with engineers at Axiom Space to craft a suit capable of enduring harsh lunar conditions. This includes protection against hazardous lunar dust that poses respiratory risks as well as extreme temperature fluctuations on the moon’s surface.
“Prada’s expertise facilitated advanced technologies along with innovative sewing techniques that merge high-performance functionality with an aesthetically pleasing white exterior,” noted their press release. “This combination enhances astronaut comfort while optimizing material performance.”
The AxEMU will enable astronauts to conduct spacewalks lasting up to eight hours without compromising safety or efficiency.
Axiom Space
“The helmet features specialized coatings that improve visibility while custom-designed gloves incorporate several enhancements over current models,” added their press release. “The architecture of this suit integrates life support systems alongside pressure garments and avionics tailored specifically for exploration needs while expanding scientific opportunities.”
Aiming towards completion after two years of development work focused on meeting requirements for Artemis III, Axiom claims they are approaching finalization stages of this groundbreaking project.
Russell Ralston, executive vice president overseeing extravehicular activities at Axiom told Business Insider that they anticipate entering into critical design review phases starting in 2025.
“Once AxEMU successfully passes through NASA’s Critical Design Review (CDR) along with qualification testing protocols it will be fully prepared ahead of its deployment during Artemis III,” he remarked in an official statement.
Representatives from Prada did not respond when approached by Business Insider regarding comments about this collaboration.
Nasa’s Upcoming Artemis III Mission: Paving New Paths Towards Diversity on Lunar Surface
The specially crafted suits are being developed specifically for use during Artemis III which is slated no earlier than September 2026 according to NASA announcements.
“During approximately thirty days’ time frame; astronauts participating will journey towards lunar orbit where two members shall descend onto Moon’s surface spending around one week near South Pole conducting scientific research before rejoining fellow crew members back into orbit en route home,” explained agency officials.
This landmark expedition could also witness history being made as it may feature both female representation alongside individuals representing diverse ethnic backgrounds stepping foot upon Moon’s terrain.
Artemis II serves as precursor scheduled tentatively around September 2025 aiming also towards historical milestones including first woman astronaut alongside Black Canadian flying aboard spacecraft circling Moon under auspices provided by Nasa.
Astronauts involved within upcoming missions aim “to validate operational capabilities across all spacecraft systems functioning optimally amidst actual deep-space environments” per statements released via Nasa channels.
Source
“`
