It’s one thing to design for the runway, and it’s another to design for the moon. But when you think about Prada’s signature nylon bags, it’s not such a big jump that they would design a space suit. But this one is special: it’s for the first woman to walk on the moon.
Prada and Axiom Space partnered to design the AxEMU space suit for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which will land the first woman and person of color on the Moon in 2026. This marks the first human lunar landing since 1972. This isn’t just a space suit. It’s a stylish, high-tech piece of kit that redefines lunar exploration attire.
The AxEMU
The AxEMU (also known as the Axiom Suit) is a new kind of space suit. It combines Prada’s design with Axiom Space’s technology. Unlike traditional suits that prioritize function over form, the AxEMU is both sleek and smart. It ensures astronauts explore the lunar surface in comfort and style.
Design and Technological Innovation
Prada’s design team took a fresh approach, using high-performance materials to create a reflective white outer layer. This layer regulates temperature and protects against lunar hazards.
But it wouldn’t be a Prada Suit without a little bit of fashion know-how. In this case, the key innovation is the suit’s adaptability. The AxEMU breaks the mold by accommodating a diverse range of body types, moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all designs and promoting inclusivity in space travel.
Prada also used advanced sewing techniques to balance aesthetics and performance. The suit features advanced safety systems, like cooling and carbon dioxide scrubbing, for comfort and safety during long spacewalks. (If you appreciate the cooling when you’re in your Prada workout suit for long non-space walks, think about how clutch it is on the moon.)
And because it’s Prada, they always go the extra mile. Prada prioritized sustainability in the AxEMU’s design. The suit uses eco-friendly materials to meet the demands of space, while minimizing environmental impact. This design embodies a sustainable vision, proving that even as we reach for the stars, we can remain grounded in our planet’s well-being.
Public Showcase in Milan
The Prada and Axiom Space AxEMU space suit showcase at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan was initially scheduled to run from October 18, 2024, to January 31, 2025. As of now, there are no official announcements regarding an extension or a repeat of the showcase. However, given the significant interest and the groundbreaking nature of the collaboration, it’s possible that similar events or exhibitions could be organized in the future.
If you’re interested in seeing the AxEMU space suit, it might be worth keeping an eye on Prada’s official website or Axiom Space’s announcements for any updates on future showcases or related events.
NASA’s Artemis Program Timeline
- Artemis II: Set to launch in September 2025, this mission will be a crewed flight test around the Moon.
- Artemis III: Planned for 2026, this mission will land the first woman and person of color on the Moon. This will be the first human landing on the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
- NASA is also planning further Artemis missions beyond Artemis III, with the goal of establishing a long-term presence on the Moon.
FAQs
Q: When will Prada’s space suit for women be used?
A: Prada’s space suit for women will be used during NASA’s Artemis III mission, planned for 2026, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon.
Q: Who will wear Prada’s space suit for women?
A: Prada’s space suit for women is designed for the astronauts participating in NASA’s Artemis III mission, including the first woman and the first person of color to walk on the Moon.
Q: Who made Prada’s space suit for women?
A: Prada’s space suit for women was created through a collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space, combining Prada’s expertise in materials and design with Axiom Space’s advanced life support technology.
Q: What makes Prada’s space suit for women special?
A: Prada’s space suit for women is special because it combines cutting-edge technology with high fashion, resulting in a suit that is both functional and stylish. It is also designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, making it more inclusive for astronauts.
