In a stunning collaboration between aerospace and high fashion, Prada has unveiled a spacesuit designed for astronauts going to the Moon. The Italian luxury brand partnered with commercial space company Axiom Space to create the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit for NASA’s upcoming Artemis-III lunar mission. The suit unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, marks a significant milestone in space exploration technology. Its flight design combines cutting-edge engineering with Prada’s expertise in materials, and its sleek white design reflects heat and guards against the Moon’s harsh environment. The AxEMU was built for extended EVA (Extravehicular Activity) duration and can be worn for up to eight hours. It also has an integrated diagnostic system and a reusable water and air recirculation system to reduce crew-related waste. The suit is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and protect against abrasive lunar dust. It was also designed with gender-neutral sizing to accommodate different body types and sizes.
The AxEMU was designed by a team of scientists and engineers from Axiom Space, who worked closely with Prada’s designers to integrate advanced protective features for high-intensity lunar environments. According to Axiom Space CEO Matt Ralston, the AxEMU can maintain stable temperatures in various climates and environments, including the coldest areas at the Moon’s south pole. It can also withstand exposure to direct sunlight for more than two hours and conduct EVAs for up to six hours. It can also withstand abrasive lunar dust and includes a port for a robot arm to assist with lunar surface operations.
Unlike most spacesuits, the AxEMU does not feature any overt branding or logos, which is consistent with the Prada brand’s aesthetic. However, it includes a few red stripes, which appear to be a nod to the outfits Prada designed for the Luna Rossa America’s Cup racing team in the ’90s and are similar to the stripe markings on the suits worn by NASA spacewalkers.
To push the boundaries of spacesuit technology, the AxEMU has undergone a series of tests and underwater immersions at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Axiom Space expects to complete testing and enter the critical design review phase in 2025.
Space travel may be closer than we think. While flying to the Moon or other planets is expensive, companies such as Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are working on affordable and safe space vehicles for future passengers to enjoy.
As these companies grow, private space tourism is likely to increase. As such, it will be interesting to see if the Axiom spacesuit inspires future astronauts to take that first leap into outer space. Its sophisticated design might make them feel more at ease and comfortable, which could help pave the way for humanity’s return to the Moon and our foundational steps toward colonizing other planetary bodies in the future.