Revealed in Milan, the Cutting-Edge Spacesuit Will Accompany Astronauts on NASA’s Next Moon Mission in 2026
Prada and Axiom Space have announced a pioneering partnership to create NASA’s new spacesuits for the upcoming Artemis III mission, set for 2026. This mission, which will mark the first crewed Moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972, is set to put the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface.
Revealed at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit is the result of a collaboration blending cutting-edge fashion design with advanced aerospace engineering. Starting October 18, 2024, the public can view the AxEMU spacesuit at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
Prada contributed its expertise in materials and manufacturing techniques to the suit, focusing on design elements that enhance protection and mobility. According to Axiom Space President Matt Ondler, “Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development, establishing new pathways to innovative solutions and applying a state-of-the-art design approach for the AxEMU. We have broken the mold.”
The AxEMU spacesuit features a sleek white outer layer designed to reflect heat and guard against the Moon’s harsh conditions. The suit incorporates stone-gray patches on the elbows and knees and red accent lines inspired by Prada’s Linea Rossa brand, all while forgoing visible branding. Engineered for function and comfort, the suit allows astronauts to spacewalk for up to eight hours a day.
The project has been in the works since before the pandemic, involving about 10 Prada employees who collaborated closely with Axiom engineers, often traveling between Milan and Houston. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Going beyond our limits is one of the company’s values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents’ vision. I’m very proud of the result we’re showing today, which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space.”
The AxEMU program underscores a growing trend of non-traditional partnerships within the commercial space sector. Since securing a $228 million Artemis task order in 2022, Axiom Space has sought industry leaders like Prada to help bring next-generation spacesuit designs to fruition. As Axiom Space Executive Vice President Russel Ralston put it, “This is a groundbreaking partnership. We’re blending engineering, science, and art.”
