Prada It’s synonymous with fashion and luxury, but it will soon also leave its mark on astronauts returning to the moon. Famous Italian company will help Axiom Space develop spacesuits that will be used on NASA’s Artemis III mission.which will take place in 2025.
Choosing Prada to collaborate on this project sounds unusual, but makes a lot of sense. The company is not limited to designing high-end clothing, but also has an engineering department responsible for studying new materials and their application in fashion.
Although Axiom Space has already shown off a prototype of the spacesuits that will be used on the Artemis missions, it still has a lot of work to do. According to the company, Prada will help them. implement the external layer of the Axiom Extravehicle Mobility Unit (AxEMU).
The Italians will work to ensure that the “skin” of the spacesuit that NASA astronauts will wear upon returning to the Moon is strong enough without compromising comfort and maneuverability.
Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space, emphasized the importance of Prada’s contribution to realizing his vision for Artemis III. “Prada’s technical expertise in raw materials, manufacturing technologies and innovative design concepts will provide cutting-edge technologies that will contribute not only to the comfort of astronauts on the lunar surface, but also to the much-needed human touch missing on the lunar surface. “old spacesuits,” he said.
Artemis III wears Prada
Just because Prada is one of the most famous fashion brands in the world doesn’t mean its contribution to the suits of future Artemis missions will be extravagant designs or anything like that. In fact, the company has significant experience in the use of composite materials which was used outside the catwalks.
For example, in the 1990s, Prada designed and built its own carbon fiber-hulled yacht to compete in the America’s Cup, the world’s most important sailing competition. Since then she has remained very active on this front with the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team.
According to Axiom Space, the Italian brand’s knowledge of different raw materials is crucial to the final completion of the spacesuits. The CEO of an aerospace company spoke about this. Space news that Prada’s skills can help AxEMU be easier. Especially if you can adapt the use of composite materials in important areas of the torso and pants.
Prada, meanwhile, took up the challenge with pride:
“Prada’s ever-progressive spirit for humanity has expanded to embrace adventure and discover new horizons: space. Our decades of experimentation, cutting-edge technology and design know-how […] Now they will be used in the development of the Artemis-era spacesuit. “This is a true celebration of the power of human creativity and innovation in advancing civilization.”
Lorenzo Bertelli, Marketing Director of Prada Group.
Axiom Space suits
NASA was originally supposed to develop spacesuits to return astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis mission. However, in 2022 it was announced that Axiom Space would take over this work. Meanwhile, the company unveiled the first prototype of the AxEMU in black with orange trim in March last year. However, the company has indicated that the final version will be white to reflect heat.
Following the announcement of the collaboration with Prada, the company shared new images of the prototype with its final color. It is not yet known when the Artemis III spacesuits will be ready. Despite this, it is logical to assume that they should be completed in advance to subject them to thorough testing.
Following the success of Artemis I, NASA plans to launch Artemis II in 2024. This mission will be manned and will orbit the Moon before returning to Earth. If the calendar does not tolerate delays, Artemis III will reach the natural satellite of our planet. at the end of 2025with astronauts in Axiom Space and Prada spacesuits.
Source: Hiper Textual
