Axiom Space and Prada Unveil Artemis III Spacesuit at IAC2024 in Milan

Axiom Space and Prada took center stage today at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan, revealing the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. The groundbreaking spacesuit is set to be used by NASA astronauts during the Artemis III mission, which is set to land humans on the lunar surface for the first mission in over 50 years later this decade.

The AxEMU, a result of a collaboration between Axiom Space and luxury fashion house Prada, merges state-of-the-art engineering and cutting-edge fashion expertise. The outer-layer design and materials used in the spacesuit are a blend of innovation and aesthetics, developed through joint efforts when the two companies teamed up.

“Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development, establishing new pathways to innovative solutions and applying a state-of-the-art design approach for the AxEMU,...We have broken the mold. The Axiom Space-Prada partnership has set a new foundational model for cross-industry collaboration, further expanding what’s possible in commercial space.” - Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space.

Prada’s Influence on Design and Material Innovation

Prada’s extensive experience in high-performance materials played a key role in the development of the AxEMU. The fashion brand's design and product development teams collaborated with Axiom Space’s engineers, offering tailored material recommendations and contributing innovative techniques to enhance the spacesuit’s functionality and visual appeal.

Going beyond our limits is one of the company’s values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents’ vision. I’m very proud of the result we’re showing today, which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space. We’ve shared our expertise on high-performance materials, features, and sewing techniques, and we learned a lot. I’m sure we’ll continue to explore new challenges, broaden our horizons, and build new scenarios together.” - Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Prada Group

Prada’s expertise in materials and advanced sewing methods helped balance the AxEMU’s functional and aesthetic requirements, creating a spacesuit that not only performs under extreme conditions but also embodies a sleek and modern design.

Advancing NASA's Spacesuit Design

The AxEMU builds on NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) design, offering increased flexibility, improved performance, and enhanced safety features.

One of the key elements of the suit is its ability to accommodate astronauts of different sizes, ranging from the first to 99th percentile in anthropomorphic sizing, making it accessible for both male and female crewmembers.

In addition to its adaptability, the suit is built to withstand the extreme cold of the Moon’s south pole, particularly in permanently shadowed regions where temperatures plummet. It can also support astronauts during spacewalks lasting up to eight hours and is equipped with redundant life-support systems to ensure crew safety.

The AxEMU includes an array of advanced features, such as a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and cooling technologies to manage heat inside the suit. The helmet and visor come with enhanced coatings for better visibility, and the gloves, which were developed in-house, feature significant improvements over the current generation used in space exploration.

Axiom Space’s Long-Term Vision

Axiom Space has been steadily working on improving the AxEMU spacesuit over the past two years, ensuring it is ready for NASA’s Artemis III mission. The suit has undergone extensive testing, including underwater simulations at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and reduced gravity simulations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

The development of AxEMU marks the first significant spacesuit innovation since the Apollo era, with the suit entering its final stages of development.

Extensive crewed underwater tests and integration tests with the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle prototypes are scheduled as the suit moves toward its critical design review phase in 2025.

“We are pioneering a new era in space exploration where partnerships are imperative to the commercialization of space. Partnerships build a strong, cohesive team, enabling industry experts to provide cutting-edge technology, specialized products, and services to drive innovation. For the first time, we are leveraging expertise in other industries to craft a better solution for space.” - Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity at Axiom Space

The Future of Spacesuit Design and Exploration

The AxEMU serves as a prime example of how cross-industry collaborations are enhancing capabilities in space exploration.

Since securing a $228 million contract with NASA in 2022, Axiom Space has sought out partnerships with experts across diverse fields, including luxury fashion, to create a next-generation spacesuit that supports both lunar and low-Earth orbit missions.

With further testing and iterations planned, Axiom Space and Prada’s collaboration on the AxEMU is set to revolutionize NASA's xEMU spacesuit design, providing astronauts with greater protection, comfort, and functionality as they embark on humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond.

About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is a leader in human spaceflight services and the development of space infrastructure. The company is currently executing missions to the International Space Station and is building Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. Axiom's vision is to build a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere.

About Prada
Founded in 1913, Prada has long been a pioneer of innovative fashion and style. Known for its intellectual and experimental approach to design, Prada continues to challenge conventions in the luxury goods industry, constantly seeking new ways to redefine trends.