NASA’s Artemis III Moon Surface Mission just got one step closer to reality with the unveiling of the AxEMU, a prototype spacesuit designed by Axiom Space. The spacesuit was revealed at an event hosted by Axiom Space at Space Center Houston, where students and media were able to ask questions and get a close-up look at the spacesuit.

NASA selected Axiom Space to develop the modern suits for the Artemis III mission, which will land astronauts, including the first woman, on the Moon’s surface. The mission aims to advance long-term lunar exploration and scientific discovery, inspiring the Artemis Generation. The AxEMU spacesuit builds on NASA’s spacesuit prototype developments and incorporates the latest technology, enhanced mobility, and added protection from hazards at the Moon.

AxEMU

The AxEMU features the range of motion and flexibility needed to explore more of the lunar landscape and will fit a broad range of crew members, accommodating at least 90 percent of the US male and female population. Axiom Space will continue to apply modern technological innovations in life support systems, pressure garments, and avionics as development continues.

Axiom Space

Axiom Space is responsible for the design, development, qualification, certification, and production of flight training spacesuits and support equipment, including tools, to enable the Artemis III mission. The company will test the suit in a spacelike environment prior to the mission.

NASA selected Axiom Space to deliver the moonwalking system, including the spacesuit, for the mission using a commercial services contract for the development of the new spacesuit. Under this model, the company is encouraged to pursue other commercial customers for their moonwalking services. This mutually beneficial approach helps bolster an emerging commercial market and grants NASA the right to use the data and technologies developed under the contract for future exploration efforts.

Commercial space sector

The partnership between NASA and Axiom is critical to landing astronauts on the Moon and continuing American leadership in space. The collaboration is investing in America, supporting America’s workers, and demonstrating another example of America’s technical ingenuity that will position NASA and the commercial space sector to compete and win in the 21st century.