Published on 10:06 AM, October 10, 2023

Prada to design spacesuits for Artemis III lunar mission

The spacesuit, named the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), is currently in the prototype stage. Axiom Space will be working alongside Prada to engineer innovative solutions for materials and design features. Images: Axiom Space official website

Prada, the famous Italian luxury fashion house, has partnered with Axiom Space, a Texas-based private space company, to craft advanced spacesuits for NASA's upcoming Artemis mission. The collaboration aims to provide cutting-edge gear for astronauts on lunar expeditions.

As per a recent report by BBC News, these spacesuits will make their debut on the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2025. The Prada-Axiom Space spacesuits aim to provide astronauts with adequate comfort and protection while being equipped with the latest NASA technology built to tackle the unique challenges of space exploration. 

As per Axiom Space, the spacesuit, named the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), is currently in the prototype stage. The space company will be working alongside Prada to engineer innovative solutions for materials and design features. 

Prada's technical expertise enhances flexibility and protection in spacesuits for lunar conditions, with a focus on maintaining an optimal thermal environment and life support systems for the astronaut wearing the suit. Additionally, Axiom Space has revealed a new 'AxEMU custom glove design', which is said to "enable astronauts to work with specialised tools to accomplish exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities", according to the company's official announcement.

From the looks of it, the partnership between Prada and Axiom Space promises a stylish imprint on lunar exploration, fusing fashion and technology on the cosmic runway.

Artemis III follows Artemis II, which involves sending a capsule around the Moon, accompanied by a team of five with Christina Koch and Victor Glover, the first woman and first African-American astronaut on a lunar mission, respectively.