Prada and Axiom Space have revealed their jointly designed spacesuit for NASA's Artemis III mission, which is poised to bring astronauts to the moon's surface for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The collaborators unveiled the design at the International Astronautical Congress today in Milan, Italy. In development since 2022, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit combines Prada's expertise in materials and garment construction with Axiom Space's space-tech prowess.
Axiom Space engineers worked closely with Prada's design and product development team on custom protective materials and features for high-intensity lunar conditions. For example, the suit is built to maintain comfortable temperatures in extreme heat, as well as the coldest temperatures at the lunar south pole and fully shadowed areas for at least two hours.
Heightened performance and safety are key considerations in the robust design of the AxEMU suit. The suit's redundancy systems, in-suit diagnostics, regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing systems and air-cooling features, ensure optimal protection. Details like a vision-enhancing finish on the helmet and advanced custom gloves facilitate easy maneuvering and functionality. Prada’s exploration of new fabrications and construction methods supplies an aesthetically refined final layer, boasting a clean white exterior with grey panels and red straps.
With NASA's Artemis III mission set to take place no earlier than 2026, the partners will continue testing the suit in a variety of harsh conditions and perfecting the design accordingly. Until then, one can only imagine how forthcoming space tech advancements will continue to push the fashion industry forward and build new bridges between global innovators.
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