The spacesuit is set to be worn during NASA's Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2026. CTV
In an exciting development for space exploration, luxury fashion brand Prada has teamed up with Axiom Space to design a new spacesuit for NASA’s Artemis III moon mission. The stunning designs were revealed at the International Astronautical Congress held in Milan, marking a significant moment in the intersection of fashion and space technology.
The spacesuits are primarily white and feature a stylish cropped torso, complemented by stone-gray patches located at the elbows and knees. While they lack visible branding, the suits have striking red accent lines running along the forearms and waist. Each suit is equipped with a “portable life system backpack,” a detail inspired by Prada’s sub-brand, Linea Rossa.
“This is a groundbreaking partnership,” stated Russel Ralston, Axiom Space’s executive vice president, during the announcement. He emphasized the collaboration's unique blend of engineering, science, and art.
The suits are designed with several innovative features that enhance astronauts’ capabilities. One standout characteristic is their ability to allow spacewalks to last at least eight hours daily, thanks to specially engineered boots. Made from a reflective white material, the suits protect astronauts from extreme heat and lunar dust, making them suitable for the harsh conditions of the moon. The design has improved mobility compared to the suits used in previous Apollo missions, demonstrating significant advancements in spacewear technology. According to the press release, Prada's expertise in textile production and sewing techniques has helped achieve a perfect balance between functionality and style.
Prada and Axiom Space unveiled the "Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit" spacesuit, created for the Artemis III moon mission, during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. CNN
The spacesuits have been a few years in the making. Lorenzo Bertelli, chief marketing officer of Prada Group, noted that discussions about the collaboration began before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A dedicated team of around ten Prada employees worked on the project, frequently travelling between Milan and Axiom's facility in Houston to ensure the designs met NASA's rigorous standards.
NASA's Artemis III mission is currently planned for the latter half of 2026 and aims to be the first moon landing with astronauts since Apollo 17 in 1972. If the mission is successful, it could also mark the historic moment when a woman sets foot on the lunar surface.
The spacesuit is crafted from a white material that bounces back heat and shields astronauts from intense temperatures and moon dust. CTV
Bertelli shared his thoughts on the future of space travel, stating, “Today, anyone with deep pockets can go to space. Soon it’ll become affordable, and people will be able to go to the moon. So I think we’re just at the beginning of a new era.” This vision underscores the growing accessibility of space travel, making it a more realistic aspiration for many in the near future.
