NASA Awards Axiom Space New Contract For Next-Gen ISS Spacesuits

Axiom Space has been awarded a contract by NASA to develop spacesuits for extravehicular activities (EVAs) on the International Space Station (ISS).

The initial commitment for the task order is $5 million, with a potential value of $142 million over four years. Axiom Space will modify its next-generation Artemis III lunar spacesuit design to enhance NASA's spacewalking capabilities on the ISS.

This contract marks the second spacesuit task order received by Axiom Space from NASA. The first task order, worth $228 million, was awarded in 2022 for the development of lunar spacesuits for the Artemis III mission to return humans to the Moon. The new task order will allow Axiom Space to leverage its existing Artemis III spacesuit design and adapt it for use in both lunar and low-Earth orbit (LEO) environments.

The Axiom Space ISS spacesuit will be designed to accommodate a diverse range of crew members and offer increased flexibility and specialized tools, similar to the Artemis III spacesuit. It will incorporate life support systems, pressure garments, power avionics, and communication capabilities. Axiom Space will provide design, certification, and hardware, in addition to EVA systems training and real-time operational support to NASA.

Russell Ralston, the Axiom Space EVA Deputy Program Manager, acknowledged the significance of Axiom Space spacesuits being worn by astronauts performing EVAs outside the ISS. He recognized the dedication of past and present NASA suit engineers, emphasizing the honor of continuing their legacy with the development of these advanced spacesuits.

Axiom Space is currently working on its LEO spacesuit project, which will be used on Axiom Station, the world's first commercial space station. This effort aligns with the company's vision to cater to the needs of private space explorers from around the globe.

Mark Greeley, the Axiom Space EVA Program Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to provide spacesuits for both NASA's Artemis missions and future ISS missions. He highlighted the advantage of streamlining designs by utilizing a single spacesuit architecture that caters to commercial LEO, lunar, and ISS operations. Axiom Space aims to deliver optimal value to NASA while ensuring the comfort and safety of future commercial astronauts aboard Axiom Station by the end of the decade.

Both spacesuit task orders awarded to Axiom Space fall under NASA's Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract.

This contract enables Axiom Space to compete for additional contracts that cater to NASA's spacewalking needs until 2034.

The xEVAS contract has a combined maximum potential value of $3.5 billion for all task order awards, demonstrating NASA's confidence in Axiom Space's capabilities and expertise in spacesuit development.