Space infrastructure developer Axiom Space and fashion company Prada revealed the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), the spacesuit that NASA plans to use on its Artemis III mission to the moon.
Artemis III’s Goals on the Moon
The Artemis III mission, planned for 2026, seeks to place humans on the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years. During the 30-day mission, two astronauts will spend about a week exploring an area near the moon’s south pole.
Axiom Space, Prada Combined Technology With Aesthetics
Axiom Space engineers collaborated with Prada’s team to design customized features that will protect the astronauts from the harsh lunar environment.
Prada contributed innovative sewing methods to create a white outer layer designed to reflect heat and shield the crew from lunar dust and high temperatures. The AxEMU can also endure the extremely cold temperatures in the moon’s permanently shadowed regions for up to two hours.
New Spacesuit to Enable an Eight-Hour Spacewalk
According to Axiom Space, the spacesuit’s diagnostic system, regenerable CO2 scrubbing system, and cooling technology will enable eight-hour spacewalks. Additional features include helmet and visor coatings that assist with viewing, custom gloves, pressure garments, life support systems, and avionics.
The AxEMU recently completed a pressurized simulation and will continue underwater tests and lunar terrain vehicle prototype evaluations before it enters the review phase next year.
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Image Source: Axiom Space
