NASA space agency returns to the Moon with the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2026, and this time it will do so with a touch of elegance and avant-garde. The Italian fashion firm Prada has joined forces with the aerospace company Axiom space to design the new spacesuit that will protect astronauts on their journey to Earth's natural satellite.
The AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) suit will be used on this historic mission, which will not only carry out scientific research but also mark a milestone by sending the first woman to the Moon. But it is not just about aesthetic design, as this suit combines the best of aerospace engineering with Prada's refined style, offering protection, functionality and improved mobility for spacewalks.
Functionality and design united
The suit for the Artemis III mission is not just a fashion item. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions, such as the high temperatures at the edges of craters or the extreme cold in the dark areas of the lunar south pole, where astronauts are expected to find frozen water. These areas, which have not received sunlight for billions of years, can reach temperatures of up to -203 ° C.
Prada has brought all its experience in high performance materials and advanced sewing techniques, which have significantly improved the suits' resistance to abrasive lunar dust, whose particles are dangerous both for the equipment and for the health of astronauts. In fact, this dust is known to act like tiny, lethal blades for the lungs. More about the presence of water on the Moon.
A collaboration out of this world
Collaboration between Axiom space y Prada It has been described as a "perfect fusion of engineering and art," in the words of Russell Ralston, executive vice president of Axiom Space. The design of the suit has been in the works since before the 2020 pandemic, and has finally been unveiled at the International Astronautics Congress in Milan in 2024.
The presented suit is designed with a white outer layer that reflects heat, and features details in grey and red, Prada's signature colours, which not only gives it an aesthetically striking look, but also improves its visibility in the harsh lunar lighting conditions. Prada's marketing director, Lorenzo Bertelli, has assured that this project has been a challenge for the brand, which is normally dedicated to high-end fashion, but has been able to apply its knowledge in high-performance materials to create a suit as practical as it is elegant.
Ready for any challenge
The Artemis III mission will take place in September 2026, if all goes according to plan, and will mark the first time a woman has walked on the Moon. Astronauts will face significant challenges, such as explore the frozen craters from the lunar south pole and collect samples of frozen water. To do so, they will wear these innovative garments designed to protect them from the most hostile elements in space.
Costume AxEMU, also incorporates an integrated life support backpack, allowing for greater mobility in the torso and legs, which is essential for moving with agility across the lunar surface. These features are designed to extend spacewalks by up to 1000 km. eight hours, which will allow astronauts to carry out their tasks without interruptions.
Prada's touch of luxury
While it might seem surprising to see a fashion house working on something as technical as a spacesuit, Prada has proven that aesthetics and functionality can go hand in hand. The Italian brand has designed unique elements such as custom-made gloves and a helmet with LED lights and a high-definition camera, which improve both the safety and performance of astronauts during their extravehicular activities.
This project highlights Prada's ability to adapt to new challenges, taking his fashion knowledge to a completely different field, but one in which he has managed to excel. The union of artistic creation and science is clear in every aspect of the suit, from its materials to its ergonomic design, conceived to facilitate mobility in an environment as complex as the Moon.
