NEW YORK, Oct 19: Humans don’t get the opportunity to walk on the Moon every day; in fact, it's been over 50 years since the last lunar landing during NASA's Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Such a historic event as a return to Earth's dusty satellite warrants the finest attire. To this end, Axiom Space, the contractor responsible for creating the essential suits for extravehicular activities during NASA's 2026 Artemis III mission, has collaborated with luxury fashion brand Prada.

The AxEMU technology was initially introduced last year, but the final design of the suit remained a closely guarded secret—until now. The collaboration has unveiled a sleek white spacesuit reminiscent of those worn during the Apollo era, chosen for its heat-reflecting properties.

"Going beyond our limits is one of the company's core values, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents' vision," said Prada's Lorenzo Bertelli. "I am very proud of the result we are presenting today, marking just the first step in a long-term partnership with Axiom Space. We've shared our expertise in high-performance materials, features, and sewing techniques while learning from each other. I am confident that we will continue to face new challenges, expand our horizons, and develop new scenarios together."

Designing a functional spacesuit for the Moon poses significant challenges. The suit must endure extreme temperatures, with daytime highs reaching 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and nighttime lows plummeting to -133 degrees Celsius (-207 degrees Fahrenheit). In the permanently shadowed craters at the lunar poles, where NASA aims to search for ice, temperatures can drop even further to -246 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, the suits must be airtight, protect against space radiation, maintain comfortable pressure, and include a life support system alongside tools for communication and exploration. The boots need to be durable enough for the lunar terrain, and the design must accommodate a variety of body shapes and sizes. Flexibility for mobility is also a crucial requirement, along with the practical consideration that astronauts need a way to relieve themselves.

The AxEMU has undergone several tests and is nearing the end of its development phase. Pressurized tests have been carried out in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, with underwater testing set to be the next step.