Prada’s out-of-this-world spacesuit for NASA
A new era in spacesuit design has dawned with the unexpected collaboration between Axiom Space and luxury Italian fashion house Prada. This partnership has resulted in the creation of the next-generation spacesuit for NASA’s Artemis program, merging high fashion with advanced engineering in a groundbreaking way.
The need for new spacesuits has become increasingly urgent, as NASA has been using the same extravehicular activity suits since 1982, with no new designs for lunar missions since the Apollo program ended in 1972. In response to this gap, NASA awarded Axiom Space a contract worth $228 million in 2022 to develop a modern version of the Apollo suit, leading to the creation of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) suit.
At first glance, involving a fashion designer in an engineering project may seem unconventional. However, Axiom and Prada’s collaboration showcases an innovative approach to spacesuit design. The AxEMU suit incorporates aesthetic considerations alongside functionality, reflecting a trend seen in previous designs, such as those for SpaceX’s Dragon astronauts.
Key features of the AxEMU Suit include an adaptive fit designed to fit 99% of both males and females, advanced materials developed through Prada’s expertise for durability against lunar conditions, innovative joint designs for enhanced mobility, and safety innovations such as redundant systems and self-diagnostic capabilities for astronaut safety during missions.
The AxEMU suit was formally unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, where both Axiom Space and Prada emphasized their commitment to pushing boundaries in space exploration through collaborative efforts. The suit is currently undergoing extensive testing, including simulations designed to mimic lunar conditions, with plans to enter its critical design review phase in 2025.
The collaboration between Axiom Space and Prada represents a significant step forward in spacesuit design, showcasing the potential for fashion houses to contribute their expertise to space exploration. By combining Prada’s knowledge of materials and craftsmanship with Axiom’s engineering prowess, the AxEMU suit promises to be more comfortable, adaptable, and efficient than any previous designs.
As we continue to reach for the stars, it is clear that the sky is no longer the limit, not even for fashion. The AxEMU suit serves as a testament to what can be achieved when diverse expertise comes together to innovate and push the boundaries of technology. The role of aesthetics in spacesuit design is now more important than ever, highlighting the importance of looking good in space while maintaining functionality.
The partnership between Axiom Space and Prada opens up new possibilities for the future of spacesuit design, showcasing the potential for more fashion houses to get involved in space tech. As we continue to explore and expand our presence in space, the collaboration between fashion and engineering will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of spacesuits and advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth.
