Now Astronauts Can Fly In Style!
Prada and Axiom Space are collaborating to create NASA’s new spacesuits for its 2025 lunar mission.Prada engineers will develop design features and adapt materials to the harsh climate around the moon.
Italian luxury fashion house Prada is collaborating with commercial space company Axiom Space to design NASA’s new spacesuits for its Artemis III mission in 2025 so astronauts can fly in style, Prada and Axiom Space announced Wednesday.
Fashion Meets Function in Outer Space
Prada’s involvement in designing the AxEMU spacesuit is a groundbreaking step toward merging fashion innovation with aerospace engineering. This partnership seeks to create spacesuits that are not only functional and technologically advanced but also aesthetically pleasing. The brand’s technical prowess in working with materials, manufacturing techniques, and design concepts will be harnessed to adapt the spacesuits to the challenging lunar climate.
Axiom Space’s CEO, Michael Suffredini, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and its potential impact on spacesuit design. He emphasized that Prada’s contributions would go beyond aesthetics, focusing on essential human factor considerations that have been somewhat lacking in traditional spacesuit designs. This suggests that Prada’s involvement may not only elevate the style of spacesuits but also enhance their overall functionality and comfort.
“We are thrilled to partner with Prada on the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit,” Axiom Space’s CEO Michael Suffredini said in its press release.
Astronaut Elegance on the Lunar Surface
The AxEMU spacesuit is anticipated to be a harmonious blend of advanced technology and stylish design elements. While its primary purpose is to protect astronauts from the harsh lunar environment, it will also make a fashion statement.
The prototype, unveiled earlier, featured a striking dark gray and orange color scheme, creating a visual impression of modernity and innovation. However, the final version will adopt a more classic and iconic white design, staying true to Prada’s timeless aesthetic.
Prada’s expertise in materials and design may lead to spacesuits that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. From enhanced mobility to improved life support systems, these suits will empower astronauts with the capabilities they need to conduct scientific research and exploration while navigating the challenging lunar landscape. In essence, these suits will offer both protection and style, underscoring the idea that fashion knows no bounds.
Prada designing NASA spacesuits
A Departure from NASA’s In-House Design
The partnership between Prada and Axiom Space represents a significant shift in NASA’s approach to spacesuit development. In 2022, the space agency turned to Axiom Space after investing a staggering $420 million in an attempt to develop its own spacesuits since 2017. This move highlights the need for cost-effective solutions and the recognition that expertise from outside the aerospace industry can bring fresh perspectives to spacesuit design.
Historically, spacesuit development has been a costly and time-consuming endeavor for NASA. The revelation in 1974 that its spacesuits came with a price tag ranging from $15 million to $22 million underscored the financial challenges associated with creating state-of-the-art astronaut attire. Prada’s involvement in this endeavor may not only help reduce costs but also introduce a new era of creativity and innovation to spacesuit design.
Fashion Meets Technology: A Growing Trend
Prada’s venture into spacesuit design exemplifies a broader trend of luxury brands exploring unconventional collaborations and pushing the boundaries of fashion. This convergence of fashion and technology has seen high-end brands enter the world of wearable tech, sustainability, and now, outer space.
In recent years, we have witnessed luxury fashion brands partnering with tech companies to create smart wearables, from designer smartwatches to connected garments. These collaborations bridge the gap between style and functionality, catering to a tech-savvy and fashion-conscious audience. Prada’s engagement in spacesuit design is an extension of this trend, showing that the allure of fashion knows no earthly limits.
