Unveiled as a prototype a year and a half ago now, Axiom Space has finally given us images of the space suit that will be worn by NASA astronauts during the first manned Moon mission in over 50 years. In its final development stage, the suit was designed by Italian fashion house Prada of all brands. Let’s take a closer look.
It’s Been a While
If you’ve thought to yourself lately, “It’s really been a while since someone has gone to the Moon,” you’re not wrong. Neil and Buzz became the first to touch down on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, but the final trip was just three years later with Apollo 17. For those born after 1972, we’ve had to resort to documentary footage and YouTube to catch a glimpse of any human traversing our closest neighbor in space.
A few years back, NASA debuted its Artemis program with the hopes of sending humans back to the Moon for the first time in more than five decades. The Artemis III mission will also see the first-ever woman to step foot on the Moon and will be the first time we’ve reached the lunar South Pole, where there’s frozen water inside of craters. Originally set to touch down on the Moon in 2025, the scheduled date for Artemis III was pushed back to September 2026.
Axiom Space x Prada Space Suit Basics
Contracted by NASA for over $228 million, Axiom Space has developed the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) alongside Prada to combine cutting-edge technologies with a stylish presentation using advanced textiles and sewing methods to withstand extreme conditions on the Moon. Designed to be more accommodating to more body types so everyone can perform their Moonly duties comfortably, the AxEMU has been built with the aid of astronaut feedback.
Equipped with advanced boots to support the rough terrain and harsh temperatures of a lunar surface, the suit also features an HD camera, advanced 4G/LTE communication, a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system, advanced visor coating, and custom-made gloves. There’s even biometric monitoring and in-suit nutrition based on endurance athletes’ diets. On the back of each suit is a portable life support system to keep the astronauts safe for 8 hours.
A Shared Experience
I’ve heard my parents and older relatives tell the story a million times; everyone remembers where they were when they watched the first Moon landing. It was a communal experience for an entire planet. With the scattershot nature of streaming when it comes to consuming our media, we don’t get many of those anymore. I, for one, look forward to being glued to the TV set and being able to talk about the event with (hopefully) everyone.
Spec Sheet
Material: Advanced textiles
Camera: HD
Communication: 4G/LTE
Gloves: Custom
Other Features: Biometric monitoring, CO2 scrubbing system, in-suit nutrition, portable life support system
Pricing & Availability
With the Artemis II scheduled for a lunar flyby next September, the Artemis III will follow suit (no pun intended) in 2026. Meanwhile, the space suit will enter the critical review phase next year. For more information about the Axiom Space x Prada AxEMU suit, head over to Axiom’s website.
Recap
Axiom Space x Prada AxEMU Space Suit
Partnering with Prada, Axiom unveils a ton of information on the final space suit design for the first Moon landing in over 50 years.
