Space revolution! Prada and Axiom Space create the suit of the future to conquer the Moon
At the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, Axiom Space and Prada today revealed for the first time the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) space suit that will be used in NASA's Artemis III mission.
The collaboration between Axiom Space and Prada has revolutionized the design of space suits. Combining creativity and engineering, they have created a next-generation suit. Matt Ondler, president of Axiom Space, highlights how this alliance has set a new standard in the commercial space industry, opening up new possibilities.
During development, Axiom Space used a dark layer to hide the suit's patented technology. However, the final suit will be white, reflecting the heat and protecting the astronauts from extreme temperatures and lunar dust. This innovation is crucial for missions on the lunar surface.
Lorenzo Bertelli, from Prada, expresses his pride in this collaboration. It highlights how Prada's experience in high-performance materials and sewing techniques has been fundamental. This partnership has not only improved the design of the suit, but has also expanded the horizons of both companies.
Prada's deep knowledge of materials and production processes has been key. Working together with Axiom Space engineers, they have developed custom features that protect astronauts and visually inspire space exploration. This collaboration has closed the gap between functionality and aesthetics.
Advances in space suit technology
The AxEMU program exemplifies how non-traditional partnerships can improve space exploration. Since 2022, Axiom Space has capitalized on its agreement with NASA, looking for experts in various industries to develop this next-generation suit. This collaboration has allowed significant advances in space technology.
Russell Ralston, executive vice president of Axiom Space, highlights the importance of these alliances. It states that partnerships create strong and cohesive teams, allowing experts to offer cutting-edge technology that has been fundamental to designing a better solution for space.
The AxEMU, an evolution of NASA's xEMU suit, offers greater flexibility, performance and safety. Adapted for a wide range of crew members, it can withstand extreme temperatures and allow space walks of up to eight hours. This suit is essential for exploring the lunar south pole.
It incorporates redundant systems and advanced technology to ensure the safety of astronauts. It includes a renewable carbon dioxide purification system and robust cooling technology. In addition, custom gloves and advanced coatings improve astronauts' vision and comfort.
Development and testing of the AxEMU
Axiom Space has developed the AxEMU using a unique and fundamental architecture, which is evolutionary, scalable and adaptable for missions on the lunar surface and in low Earth orbit. This approach has allowed iterative improvements in the suit over the past two years.
It has been subjected to exhaustive analysis with astronauts and engineers in cutting-edge facilities, conducting underwater tests in the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory that simulates the lunar environment. Crucial tests to ensure the functionality and safety of the suit in extreme conditions.
The suit has also been tested in reduced gravity simulations at NASA's Johnson Space Center. This has allowed Axiom Space to refine the design and improve its functionality. Collaboration with SpaceX and NASA has been essential in this process.
The AxEMU is approaching the final stage of development and recently completed a pressurized simulation with the partners of Artemis III, marking the first test of its kind since the Apollo era. It will continue to be subjected to rigorous testing before its deployment in lunar missions.
Future of space exploration
The AxEMU represents a significant advance in space exploration. Its innovative design and advanced technology will allow astronauts to explore the lunar South Pole with greater safety and efficiency. This suit is an example of how collaborations can drive innovation in the space industry.
The partnership between Axiom Space and Prada has established a new model for collaboration between industries. This alliance has made it possible to combine Prada's experience in materials and design with Axiom Space's advanced engineering. The result is a space suit that redefines industry standards.
The success of the suit demonstrates the potential of non-traditional associations in space exploration. As the commercial space industry continues to grow, these collaborations will be essential to develop new technologies and expand exploration capabilities.
Axiom Space and Prada will continue to work together to face new challenges and expand the horizons of space exploration. This collaboration is just the beginning of a new era in which innovation and creativity will drive the future of humanity in space.