This spacesuit designed by Prada will be worn by astronauts going to the Moon

Axiom Space has iteratively improved this next-gen spacesuit over the past two years to support the Artemis III mission.

In Short

• The actual lunar surface suit will be white to reflect heat
• It will shield astronauts from extreme temperatures and lunar dust
• Prada has expertise in materials and production processes

In a stunning collaboration between aerospace and high fashion, Axiom Space and Prada have revealed the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit for Nasa's upcoming Artemis-III lunar mission.

The unveiling took place at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, marking a significant milestone in space exploration technology.

The AxEMU represents a leap forward in spacesuit design, blending cutting-edge engineering with Prada's expertise in materials and production processes.

Matt Ondler, Axiom Space President, emphasised the innovative approach, stating, "We have broken the mold. The Axiom Space-Prada partnership has set a new foundational model for cross-industry collaboration."

While previous displays featured a dark cover layer to protect proprietary technology, the actual lunar surface suit will be white to reflect heat and shield astronauts from extreme temperatures and lunar dust.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting the company's contribution of high-performance materials and advanced sewing techniques.

The AxEMU boasts increased flexibility, performance, and safety features compared to its predecessors. It can accommodate a wide range of crew members and withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole for extended periods.

The suit incorporates multiple redundant systems, an onboard diagnostic system, and a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system.

Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity at Axiom Space, emphasized the importance of partnerships in commercializing space exploration. The collaboration with Prada exemplifies how expertise from diverse industries can drive innovation in space technology.

As the AxEMU nears its final development stage, it has already undergone extensive testing, including pressurised simulations and underwater tests.

The suit is scheduled for further trials and is expected to enter the critical design review phase in 2025, paving the way for humanity's return to the Moon.