SPACESUIT DESIGNED FOR THE RETURN TO THE MOON. AXIOM SPACE and PRADA unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy (Oct. 16, 2024 ) the design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit that will be used for NASA’s Artemis III mission.
The innovative spacesuit combines an outer-layer design with new materials. The work started when the two industry leaders from very different sectors joined together for this project and blended creativity and engineering to enhance the next-generation spacesuit design.
“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, AXIOM SPACE President.
Prada’s design and product development team worked alongside Axiom Space engineers on customised material recommendations and features that would protect astronauts against the unique challenges of the lunar environment and visually inspire future space exploration. Prada’s expertise enabled advanced technologies and innovative sewing methods to bridge the gap between highly engineered functionality and an aesthetically appealing white outer layer, providing astronauts with increased comfort while improving the materials’ performance.
“Going beyond our limits is one of the company’s values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand’s…….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, Prada Group Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility
Prada has been synonymous with cutting-edge style since its creation in 1913. Its intellectual universe combines concept, structure and image through codes that go beyond trends. Its fashion transcends products, translating conceptuality into a universe that has become a benchmark to those who dare to challenge conventions
focusing on experimentation. The Prada brand is part of Prada Group, a global leader in the luxury goods industry
: SPACESUIT FOR the return to the MOON
The AxEMU program epitomises how the commercial space industry is enabling non-traditional partnerships to enhance space exploration capabilities. Since being awarded its first Artemis task order in 2022, valued at $228 million, Axiom Space has capitalised on the public-private agreement with NASA, seeking out renowned experts in diverse industries to aid in developing and designing this next-generation spacesuit.
Axiom Space is the leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure. Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit,
Axiom Space has the vision of a home in space that benefits every human everywhere.
As AxEMU says:
https://www.axiomspace.com/axiom-suit: SPACESUIT FOR the return to the MOONWe are pioneering a new era
Photo credits: PRADA/AXIOM SPACE
