Astronauts to wear Prada spacesuits on the Moon

Prada and aerospace company Axiom Space have unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan the design of the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which will be worn by astronauts on NASA’s next Artemis III lunar mission.

Thanks to Prada’s contribution in terms of high-performance materials and cutting-edge sewing techniques, the suit features a white outer layer designed by Prada which reflects heat and protects against extreme temperatures on the moon, reconciling “flexibility, efficiency and safety”, explained Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada, to enable the exploration of the lunar south pole. AxEMU is designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, both male and female, and includes advanced systems like onboard diagnostics, cooling technology, and enhanced visor coatings.

This collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space represents a first attempt at fusion of fashion and aerospace engineering, combining aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality, which according to Matt Ondler, Axiom Space president, has helped “establishing new pathways to innovative solutions and applying a state-of-the-art design approach for the AxEMU”.

Opening image: AxEMU and Prada Spacesuit Mockup. Courtesy of Prada / Axiom Space