Axiom Space and Prada have unveiled the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, set to be used in NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced spacesuits, combining Axiom Space’s expertise in space technology with Prada’s renowned design and material innovation.
The reveal took place at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, on October 16, 2024. This event showcased the culmination of efforts between the two industry leaders, who have worked together to enhance the next-generation spacesuit design by blending creativity and engineering.
The AxEMU represents a leap forward in spacesuit technology, building upon NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) design. It offers increased flexibility, performance, and safety features, along with specialized tools designed specifically for exploring the lunar south pole. One of the most notable aspects of the new design is its ability to accommodate a wide range of crewmembers, including both male and female astronauts from the first to 99th percentile in terms of anthropomorphic sizing.
The spacesuit’s capabilities are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures at the lunar south pole and endure the coldest temperatures in permanently shadowed regions for at least two hours. Additionally, the suit allows astronauts to perform spacewalks for a minimum of eight hours, providing ample time for exploration and scientific activities on the lunar surface.
Safety is a paramount concern in the design of the AxEMU. The suit incorporates multiple redundant systems and an onboard diagnostic system to ensure the well-being of crewmembers during their missions. It also features a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and robust cooling technology to maintain a comfortable environment for the astronauts.
The visual aspects of the spacesuit have not been overlooked. While Axiom Space used a dark cover layer during development to conceal proprietary technology, the actual spacesuit to be worn on the lunar surface will be made from a white material. This choice is not merely aesthetic; the white color reflects heat and helps protect astronauts from extreme high temperatures and lunar dust.
Over the past two years, Axiom Space has iteratively improved the spacesuit to meet the requirements of the Artemis III mission. The suit has undergone extensive testing and simulations with a wide range of astronauts and engineers at state-of-the-art facilities operated by Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA.
These tests have been comprehensive and diverse. Underwater testing was conducted to simulate the lunar environment, using an unoccupied spacesuit at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Additionally, reduced gravity simulations were carried out at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to ensure the suit’s functionality in lunar gravity conditions.
As the AxEMU nears its final development stage, it has already achieved significant milestones. The suit completed a successful pressurized simulation with Artemis III partners – NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space – marking the first test of its kind since the Apollo era. This achievement underscores the progress made in spacesuit technology and the readiness of the AxEMU for lunar exploration.
The testing phase is far from over, however. The AxEMU will continue to undergo rigorous evaluations, including crewed underwater tests at the NBL facility and integrated tests with the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle prototypes. These tests will ensure that the spacesuit functions seamlessly with other equipment and vehicles that will be used during the Artemis III mission.
Looking ahead, the AxEMU is scheduled to enter the critical design review phase in 2025. This phase will involve a thorough examination of the suit’s design, ensuring that it meets all necessary requirements and standards for lunar exploration.
Axiom Space’s approach to developing the AxEMU involved using a single, foundational architecture. This architecture is designed to be evolvable, scalable, and adaptable for missions not only on the lunar surface but also in low-Earth orbit (LEO). This versatility ensures that the spacesuit can be used for a variety of space exploration missions in the future.
The AxEMU incorporates several advanced features that set it apart from previous spacesuit designs. The helmet and visor have special coatings that enhance the astronauts’ view of their surroundings, important for navigation and scientific observations on the lunar surface. The suit also includes custom-made gloves featuring several advancements over the gloves used in current spacesuits, improving dexterity and comfort for the astronauts.
The spacesuit’s architecture is comprehensive, including life support systems, pressure garments, avionics, and other innovative systems. These components work together to meet the exploration needs of the Artemis III mission and expand the possibilities for scientific research on the Moon.
The unveiling of the AxEMU spacesuit design is a significant step forward in NASA’s Artemis program, which plans to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on and around the lunar surface. The Artemis III mission, for which this spacesuit is designed, will be a historic moment, marking the first time humans have set foot on the Moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972.
The development of the AxEMU spacesuit represents not just a technological advancement, but also a shift in how space exploration is approached. By involving open non-traditional partners like Prada, the space industry is tapping into new sources of innovation and creativity.
As the Artemis program progresses, the AxEMU spacesuit will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of astronauts on the lunar surface. Its advanced features and innovative design will enable explorers to conduct unprecedented scientific research and push the boundaries of human knowledge about the Moon and its potential for future space exploration.
