Janice R. Andrews
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), a collaborative effort between Prada and Axiom Space, has been unveiled for NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission. This lunar expedition will mark humanity’s return to the Moon’s surface after a hiatus of over five decades.
Debuted at Milan’s International Astronautical Congress, the AxEMU boasts a pristine white exterior accented with red and gray. Its design prioritizes astronaut agility and adaptability during extravehicular activities, while providing enhanced thermal protection for extended lunar south pole explorations lasting up to two hours.
Prada’s creative team collaborated closely with Axiom Space’s engineers, developing specialized materials and practical elements. The suit is currently undergoing rigorous testing at various facilities, including NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space. A final assessment is scheduled for 2025 following comprehensive evaluations.
While NASA initially targeted a 2025 launch for Artemis III, the mission has been rescheduled to September 2026. This partnership between high-end fashion and cutting-edge space technology aims to safeguard astronauts while igniting enthusiasm for future space endeavors.
