Axiom Space, a prominent provider of human spaceflight services and developer of space infrastructure, has forged an unexpected partnership with the renowned Italian fashion house Prada to craft spacesuits for the upcoming NASA astronauts for their next journey to the moon. The collaboration, unveiled on 4th October, will yield spacesuits designed for Artemis missions, commencing with Artemis 3 in 2025. Prada’s prowess in soft goods and related technologies is believed to be the driving force behind this unique choice.
Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space, acknowledged in an interview that partnering with a brand like Prada might not have an apparent technological rationale, but he highlighted that Prada goes beyond being a mere fashion house, engaging in technologically advanced endeavours.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s marketing director, emphasised the company’s experience with composite materials dating back to the 1990s, particularly in relation to their Luna Rossa yachting team. This expertise is deeply ingrained in Prada’s culture, extending far beyond the realm of fashion. Suffredini also expressed interest in leveraging Prada’s know-how in composites to construct lighter components for the spacesuit, focusing on parts like the torso and pants.
Prada’s role will involve collaborating with Axiom on the spacesuit’s outer layer, a critical component responsible for safeguarding the suit’s inner layers from the harsh space environment, including lunar dust, while allowing for adequate mobility. Suffredini emphasised Prada’s design expertise and the accompanying technological challenges they aim to overcome.
While the collaboration initially centers on refining the spacesuit under a US $ 228.5 million task order as part of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services program, Suffredini hinted at the potential for Prada’s involvement in other Axiom projects, such as their commercial space station ventures.
Bertelli hinted at keeping the focus on functionality while incorporating areas of creative design. Suffredini, withholding specifics, conveyed his excitement for a distinct and unique spacesuit that will depart from the conventional appearance of space gear.
