The idea of the first woman walking on the moon in Prada is almost too fabulous to fathom. The International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Axiom Space and luxury fashion house Prada revealed the highly anticipated design of the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. This spacesuit, designed for NASA's historic Artemis III mission, marks a bold leap forward in both space technology and design, blending advanced functionality with Prada's signature aesthetic flair.
The unveiling highlights an extraordinary partnership between two giants in their respective fields. Axiom Space, a leader in commercial space innovation, and Prada, renowned for its mastery of materials and craftsmanship, have collaborated to push the boundaries of what a spacesuit can be - both in terms of performance and visual impact. The AxEMU will be worn by astronauts as they make their return to the Moon, including landing on the lunar South Pole as part of NASA’s Artemis III mission.
Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space, emphasised the groundbreaking nature of the collaboration: "Our teams have redefined spacesuit development. We've broken the mold, setting new standards for cross-industry partnerships that open up new possibilities in commercial space."
While the suit displayed at the event featured a dark cover layer to protect proprietary technology, the final version worn on the lunar surface will be crafted from a white, heat-reflective material. This material is designed to safeguard astronauts against extreme temperatures and lunar dust while allowing for maximum mobility. Prada's Chief Marketing Officer, Lorenzo Bertelli, expressed pride in the company's role in the project: "Going beyond our limits is core to Prada’s ethos. This collaboration is only the beginning, and it reflects our long-term commitment to innovation. We’ve applied our expertise in high-performance materials, sewing techniques, and aesthetics, and we’ve learned so much from working with Axiom Space."
Prada’s expertise in materials and production played a crucial role in refining the AxEMU’s outer layers. The spacesuit balances cutting-edge technical capabilities with an aesthetically sleek design, ensuring astronauts have both comfort and durability as they explore the lunar environment.
Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of this cross-industry collaboration: "We are pioneering a new era in space exploration, where partnerships with companies like Prada allow us to innovate beyond traditional boundaries."
Axiom Space has iteratively refined the AxEMU to improve flexibility, safety and performance for the Artemis III mission. Capable of enduring the extreme temperatures of the lunar South Pole, the suit includes advanced life-support systems, regenerative cooling technology and custom-designed gloves for extended spacewalks.
As the AxEMU approaches its final development phase, the suit continues to undergo rigorous testing in simulated lunar environments, with critical design reviews scheduled for 2025. The Artemis III mission will mark humanity’s long-awaited return to the Moon, and Axiom Space and Prada’s spacesuit collaboration represents a milestone in the intersection of technology, fashion, and space exploration.
The Axiom-Prada partnership serves as a powerful example of how creative industries can contribute to the future of space exploration, enhancing both the scientific capabilities and the visual identity of our journey into the cosmos.
