Axiom Space presented the new spacesuits of the Artemis program at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Milan. Artemis is the United States’ space program, which aims to put a man on the moon again after 1972. The Artemis-3 mission, i.e. landing on the new moon, can take place in 2026.
The Italian fashion house Prada and the Californian Oakley, known for its glasses, also participated in the design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit or AxEMU, which enables movement outside the vehicle.
The spacesuit has several built-in backup systems for safety, it has an on-board diagnostic system, an HD camera and a 4G/LTE telecommunications connection have been built into the helmet. The life support system, equipped with a biometric monitor and a carbon dioxide removal system, allows eight hours of wear. The space suit can be used by both men and women.
So two years from now, on NASA’s Artemis-3 mission, these spacesuits will be worn by astronauts. What is extremely significant for us is that the first woman on the moon will wear it, the first person of color, and the first non-American astronaut will also wear it
Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space, pointed out in his speech at the presentation.
The company’s vice president, Russell Ralston, emphasized that technical design, science, and art were combined with Prada’s craftsmanship to create a safe and comfortable spacesuit.
We shared our knowledge about particularly resistant fabrics, solutions and sewing techniques and learned a lot
Lorenzo Bertelli, head of marketing at Prada, said about the joint work.
Founded by the Prada brothers in Milan in 1913, the company initially produced handbags and travel bags. In the 90s, they became one of the biggest fashion houses with their products with simple cuts and elegant lines. Today, they sell a wide range of products, from perfumes to mobile phones.
Jim Jannard, who founded Oakley in 1975, named his company after his dog. In the beginning, he sold unique motorcycle grips from his trunk, working with sports goods, he has been producing ski goggles and sunglasses since the mid-80s. They own about 600 different patents. In 2007, they became the property of the Italian Luxottica.
Cold, warm, itchy
The new spacesuit must withstand extreme conditions. The Apollo missions landed near the moon’s equator, while the Artemis-3 astronauts will spend a week near the southern pole of the celestial body. According to the latest results, there may be water ice at the corners of the Moon, which is a great relief when establishing a permanent base – this also means a much colder environment than that known by our predecessors.
The other extreme is not easy either: in the absence of an atmosphere, the sun’s rays reach the clothes unfiltered. The work of the built-in cooling system is supported by the energy-reflecting white color of the outer layer of the garment.
Near the poles, the Sun is close to the horizon, which can be confusing. Ondler said that they worked with Oakley to develop a helmet that provides the right view. In the end, no internal display was built into the spacesuit, its role is taken over by a display worn on the arm.
In addition, the spacesuit must withstand lunar dust, which instead of the weather-worn particles we know on Earth consists of sharp shards that quickly damage the equipment. To prevent this, a special patented surface treatment is used and special cleaning tools are included.
The spacesuit will continue to be tested until departure and minimal changes will be made if necessary. What is definitely still in the works is the development of connectivity and integration with SpaceX’s lander, Starship. The AxEMU will not only serve on the Moon, in the future they will be used in their planned private space station programs and space tourists can also take it on.
China is in a separate race with the United States for the moon, and they themselves unveiled their new space suit at the end of September. It is an improved version of the first Chinese spacesuit, the Feitian. It was also demonstrated at the presentation that the new space suit allows easy and free movement. The Chinese can vote on his name until the end of October. Their accommodation on the moon is expected to be realized in 2030.
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The New Moon Fashion Statement: Spacesuits with Style!
Well, well, well! Axiom Space has done it again, presenting their latest spacesuits for the Artemis program at the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Milan—because obviously, if you’re going to the Moon, you might as well do it in style! Who knew lunar attire could come with a Prada label? I mean, if we’re sending people back to the Moon, they may as well look fabulous doing it, right?
Artemis aims to put a man on the Moon again after 1972—let’s be honest, it’s about time! And get this, the Artemis-3 mission is set to launch in 2026, assuming they can fit all the right outfits into the spacecraft! Who needs a rocket science degree when you could just hire a Vogue editor to manage your space fashion choices?
Pushing Fashion Limits—To Infinity and Beyond!
Now, let’s chat about the impressive team behind this endeavor! Axiom’s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) isn’t just your run-of-the-mill spacesuit. Thanks to some haute couture from Prada and sporty styles by Oakley, we have a suit that promises not only movement but also a killer selfie opportunity! I mean, what’s the point of going all the way to the Moon if you can’t post it on Instagram, right?
This agile outfit features backup systems, an HD camera, and even 4G/LTE telecommunications. I can hear the astronauts now: “Houston, we have a fashion emergency!” Seriously, who needs satellite internet when you can live-stream your lunar stroll with 4G? Maybe they’ll be using it to set up the trendiest TikTok dances right on the Moon!
“The first woman on the moon will wear it, the first person of color, and the first non-American astronaut will also wear it,” stated Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space.
This is not just any mission; it’s a manifestation of representation. So, the next time someone says, “The Moon looks a bit pale,” they won’t just be talking about the lunar surface, folks!
Technical Marvel Meets High Fashion
Venturing into the realm of technical design—because nothing says “I’m ready for the cold, unforgiving lunar landscape” like a chic suit crafted by Italian artisans. Russell Ralston, Axiom’s VP, expressed that they combined technical prowess with Prada’s craftsmanship. Honestly, I can’t tell whether it’s a spacesuit or the next big thing at Milan Fashion Week!
“We shared our knowledge about particularly resistant fabrics, solutions and sewing techniques and learned a lot,” said Lorenzo Bertelli from Prada.
WHAT? The astronauts might have an after-party onboard? Do not get me started on the potential “barbecue on the Moon” ideas! Talk about throwing a cosmic brunch!
From Hot to Cold: The Lunar Climate Experience
But be warned! This isn’t just a lovely little trip to the Moon’s surface; temperatures there are as varied as the celebrities at an awards show! The Apollo missions were cozy near the equator, but Artemis-3 plans to chill out near the southern pole, where frozen water ice awaits. Who knew the Moon was more of a “polar plunge” than a sunbathing spot?
With no atmosphere, the sun’s rays hit you like a brick—err, a meteorite! So, the suit’s outer layer is chic and white, reflecting heat while making sure astronauts don’t roast like a marshmallow in outer space. Remarkably designed! I mean, these suits are cooler than your average ski jacket!
Where High-Tech Meets High Stakes
Did I mention how lunar dust is basically the villain here? Instead of lovely beach sand, astronauts are facing sharp shards of moon particles ready to assassinate their gear! Talk about a fashion faux pas! They’ve got a patented surface treatment and special cleaning tools—if you think you have your hands full with laundry, imagine these poor souls with space suit maintenance!
And on top of it all, there’s tech galore! The AxEMU will get prepped for testing until the mission takes off, with integration to SpaceX landers currently in the pipeline. Why be just a tourist when you can be a stylish one?
The International Moonwalk-Off!
And let’s not ignore the competition. China has also jumped on the space fashion train, unveiling their improved spacesuit. They’re even taking votes to name it! Could we witness an international fashion showdown on the Moon? Will political debates shift to designer wear? “I’d like to see your suit’s performance metrics before I decide to join you on lunar soil, comrade!”
So, as we gear up for Artemis-3, remember, the stakes are high, the suits are stylish, and who knows—maybe our Moon will become the next fashion capital of the universe. If you’re planning on heading to the Moon, pack your catwalk strut as well as your space gear!
We’re living in the future, folks, and I can’t wait to see the runway shows from 238,855 miles away! 📸🚀
