At the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Axiom Space and Prada unveiled their new spacesuit design, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), which astronauts will wear during NASA’s Artemis III mission. This historic mission will be the first crewed Moon landing since 1972 and will feature the first woman and the first person of color to step onto the lunar surface.

The collaboration between Axiom Space and the luxury fashion brand Prada aims to merge high-performance engineering with cutting-edge design. Prada’s expertise in materials, manufacturing techniques, and design has played a crucial role in creating a suit that protects astronauts from the extreme conditions of the Moon, including high temperatures and lunar dust.

Axiom Space President Matt Ondler praised the partnership for redefining spacesuit development and setting new standards for cross-industry collaboration. Lorenzo Bertelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Prada Group, expressed pride in the project, highlighting how Prada’s work with high-performance materials contributed to the suit’s design.

The AxEMU will feature a white exterior that reflects heat and provides protection for astronauts, ensuring flexibility and safety as they explore the Moon’s south pole. It incorporates advanced systems, including a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing mechanism and robust cooling technology, allowing astronauts to safely conduct spacewalks lasting up to eight hours.

To mark the occasion, the spacesuit will be on public display at Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II starting October 18, 2024.