Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Luxury fashion brand Prada has ventured beyond the runway, designing astronaut spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis III mission to the Moon in 2026. The collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space has created a groundbreaking model for cross-industry partnerships, expanding the possibilities in commercial space ventures.
While the AxEMU spacesuit technology was initially revealed last year, yet the final design had been kept under wraps. Now, the secret of this technology is revealed to the public.
“Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development, establishing new pathways to innovative solutions and applying a state-of-the-art design approach for the AxEMU,” said Axiom Space President Matt Ondler, in a statement released on the company’s official website.
The collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space has unveiled a sleek, white spacesuit with a red accent design reminiscent of the iconic suits worn during the Apollo missions in the 1970s.
Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “Pushing boundaries is one of our company values, which perfectly aligns with the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents’ vision.” Bertelli also emphasized that this collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with Axiom Space.
He highlighted the role Prada’s expertise played in high-performance materials, features, and tailoring techniques, noting that both companies have learned a great deal from each other. “I am confident we will continue to explore new challenges, broaden our horizons, and create new scenarios together,” he added.
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Prada’s extensive knowledge of materials and manufacturing techniques contributed to the innovative design of the spacesuit’s outer layer. combining aesthetic appeal with the high-performance demands of lunar exploration. The fashion house worked closely with Axiom Space engineers to offer customized materials and innovative features designed to both protect astronauts from the harsh conditions of the lunar surface while also visually inspire future space exploration.
Aesthetic and Functional Challenges
Designing spacesuits for lunar missions presents significant challenges. The collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space had to balance cutting-edge functionality with a visually striking design, without compromising the core purpose of the suit.
Prada’s expertise enabled the integration of advanced technology and innovative sewing methods, bridging the gap between highly engineered functionality and a visually appealing white outer layer. This approach provides astronauts with enhanced comfort while also improving the performance of the materials.
Prada involvement in the spacesuits project has set a new precedent for blending advanced space engineering with the luxury and craftsmanship of high fashion, further inspiring the future of space exploration.
(Raidi/Agung)
