Axiom Space, a NASA contractor, has recently revealed the latest design of its innovative spacesuit, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), which will be used in NASA’s upcoming Artemis 3 mission.
Set to mark humanity’s return to the Moon in 2026, this suit is the product of a unique collaboration between Axiom and the Italian luxury brand Prada. “This is a groundbreaking partnership. We’re blending engineering, science, and art,” Axiom Space executive vice president Russel Ralston emphasized.
The suit is designed to allow astronauts to conduct spacewalks for up to eight hours at a time, with enhanced mobility and specially designed boots that protect against the Moon’s extreme temperatures. Additionally, the AxEMU includes advanced systems to manage the astronauts’ environment. For instance, it is equipped with a “regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and robust cooling technology to remove heat from the system,” according to Axiom Space’s press release.
While the suit is nearing its final development phase, there is still testing to be done. Axiom plans to continue crewed underwater trials and tests alongside NASA’s prototypes for the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle, a Moon buggy designed to transport astronauts across the lunar surface. The suit will enter the critical design review phase next year, marking another key milestone in NASA’s ambitious lunar program.
However, with NASA’s ongoing challenges in meeting its Moon mission timelines, some delays may likely occur before we see the AxEMU suit in action during the Artemis 3 mission.
Nonetheless, the collaboration between Axiom Space and Prada has sparked excitement, showcasing a futuristic vision of space exploration.