When you think of high fashion, sleek dresses, elegant handbags, and avant-garde footwear might come to mind. But what about spacesuits? In an unprecedented collaboration, Prada, the iconic Italian fashion house, has entered a partnership with Axiom Space, a commercial space industry leader. Together, they are set to revolutionize the aesthetics and functionality of NASA’s lunar spacesuits for the highly anticipated Artemis III mission.
The Artemis III mission marks the first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. But beyond its historic roots, this mission has another first up its sleeve: it’s set to be the inaugural voyage to position a woman on the Moon.
Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space, radiated enthusiasm when he stated, “Joining hands with Prada for the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit is a landmark moment. The unmatched prowess Prada exhibits in terms of raw materials, manufacturing nuances, and inventive design will introduce state-of-the-art technologies. These are pivotal for safeguarding the astronauts’ comfort on the Moon while also addressing the human-centric facets that earlier spacesuits overlooked.”
Marrying Prada’s legacy of excellence in design with the space-bound challenges of lunar missions, this project sees Prada engineers co-laboring with the Axiom Space systems team. Their objective? Craft protective materials and innovative design elements tailored for the moon’s hostile environment.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director, highlighted the alignment of visions between the two giants, saying, “Prada has always prioritized the future, and this bold step into space encapsulates our enduring ambition. It’s a privilege to align with Axiom Space on this monumental mission. Our legacy of pioneering designs and technological adventures, especially from our Luna Rossa’s America’s cup stint, will now be channelized into crafting a spacesuit fit for the Artemis era. This collaboration epitomizes the limitless potential of human imagination and innovation.”
The forthcoming AxEMU spacesuit promises to be a marvel. By augmenting NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) design, Axiom Space aims to deliver a spacesuit that promises enhanced agility, fortified defense against lunar conditions, and specialized equipment for ground-breaking scientific endeavors. Powered by modern-day tech and design breakthroughs, these spacesuits are geared to facilitate an unparalleled lunar exploration experience.
As we look ahead, the synthesis of these next-gen spacesuits stands as a testament to human ingenuity. By facilitating a richer comprehension of the Moon, our solar system, and the universe, this endeavor pushes the boundaries of space exploration.
About Axiom Space: A visionary company with its eyes set on the stars, Axiom Space is on a mission to shape an off-planet home that enriches human existence. As the torchbearer of human spaceflight solutions and the vanguard for human-centric space infrastructure, Axiom Space leads missions to the International Space Station. Furthermore, it’s passionately forging ahead with the Axiom Station, a groundbreaking commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. This endeavor aims to extend humanity’s reach into space, ensuring benefits for all on Earth.
About Prada: Rooted in Milan since 1913, Prada is a beacon of luxury fashion. The brand’s genius lies in its ability to intertwine revered craftsmanship with modern technology. From apparel to fragrances, Prada’s offering is vast and global. Throughout its journey, Prada has seamlessly integrated art and innovation, collaborating with visionaries like Rem Koolhaas and Wes Anderson. With sustainability at its core, Prada champions eco-centric practices across its operations. As part of the esteemed Prada Group, the brand stands tall amidst luxury giants such as Miu Miu and Luna Rossa. Dive deeper into the world of Prada at prada.com.
