Prada and Axiom Space Unveil New Astronaut Suit for Moon Mission
Prada and Axiom Space unveiled a new spacesuit design for NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the moon in 2026. The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) is designed for lunar conditions to be both functional and visually appealing. The spacesuit has been extensively tested, including underwater simulations.
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) was unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, combining functionality and aesthetics to address lunar challenges.
The spacesuit, with its familiar bulky white design, red trim, and grey patches on the knees and elbows, is designed to withstand extreme temperatures at the lunar south pole and the coldest shadowed regions for at least two hours. Astronauts will be able to conduct spacewalks that last up to eight hours.
The AxEMU has undergone extensive testing, including underwater simulations to mimic lunar conditions, and is now in the final stages of development. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration with Axiom Space, describing it as the first step towards a long-term partnership.
Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space, emphasised the importance of diverse collaboration in driving innovation, saying, "Innovation really comes when we put diverse teams together, diverse backgrounds, different educations, different skills." As space exploration and tourism industries progress, luxury brands are exploring potential partnerships to contribute to the evolving landscape.
French fashion house Pierre Cardin recently unveiled an astronaut training suit for use at the European Space Agency's centre in Cologne, while hotel group Hilton is collaborating with Voyager Space to support the design and development of crew suites aboard the planned commercial space station Starlab.
Prada and Axiom Space reveal new spacesuit design for NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the moon in 2026.
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) combines functionality and aesthetics for lunar conditions.
Extensive testing, including underwater simulations, has been conducted on the spacesuit.
Source: REUTERS