Prada and Axiom Space Unveil AxEMU Lunar Spacesuit at IAC 2024 for NASA's Artemis III Mission

Oct 16, 2024, 02:36 PM

Axiom Space and Prada have unveiled the design of their new lunar spacesuit, the AxEMU, intended for NASA's Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2026. The spacesuit, presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan, is nearing its final development stage and will enter the critical design review phase in 2025. The suit features a white exterior to reflect sunlight and heat, improved mobility, and enhanced safety compared to previous designs. It includes a life support backpack capable of sustaining astronauts for up to eight hours on the lunar surface, 4G/LTE communication systems, and an onboard diagnostic system that provides real-time health information about the suit. The visor is specifically designed to help astronauts cope with the unique lighting conditions of the lunar South Pole. The suit incorporates dust mitigation techniques, supported by a dust lab studying coatings and tools dedicated to managing lunar dust. Astronauts will have approximately 40 different tools, some for cleaning suits and managing dust. Axiom Space President Matt Ondler stated, 'We think we will be the spacesuit providers of the Solar System,' indicating the company's aim to set standards for future EVA suit designs and to offer the suit for various missions beyond Artemis III. Russell Ralston, Executive Vice President of Extravehicular Activity at Axiom Space, affirmed that they expect to deliver the suit by the 2026 Artemis III mission deadline.