NASA on Wednesday unveiled the first prototype of a new spacesuit worn by astronauts to explore the moon under the Artemis III program. Created by Axiom Space, sleek space suits would replace the white, puffy and bulky moon suits previously worn by Neil Armstrong and his fellow Apollo astronauts.
In a tweet, NASA shared the image of Artemis and wrote, “@Axiom_Space unveiled a spacesuit prototype that @NASA_Astronauts plan to wear on @NASA’s #Artemis III mission near the Moon’s South Pole.” The spacesuit will provide additional mobility, protection and the latest technology to the lunar explorers.
The suit prototype, called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit or AxEMU, is a sleek grayish black with orange and blue accents and the Axiom logo front and center. However, the actual suit will be white for thermal reasons.
‘Mobility, Safety, Technology’: NASA Unveils New Spacesuit for Artemis Moon Landing
Elegant spacesuits replace white, bloated and bulky moon suits.
NASA on Wednesday unveiled the first prototype of a new spacesuit worn by astronauts to explore the moon under the Artemis III program. Created by Axiom Space, sleek space suits would replace the white, puffy and bulky moon suits previously worn by Neil Armstrong and his fellow Apollo astronauts.
In a tweet, NASA shared the image of Artemis and wrote, “@Axiom_Space unveiled a spacesuit prototype that @NASA_Astronauts plan to wear on @NASA’s #Artemis III mission near the Moon’s South Pole.” The spacesuit will provide additional mobility, protection and the latest technology to the lunar explorers.
The suit prototype, called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit or AxEMU, is a sleek grayish black with orange and blue accents and the Axiom logo front and center. However, the actual suit will be white for thermal reasons.
.@Axiom_Space revealed a spacesuit prototype that our @NASA_Astronauts plan to wear near the Moon’s South Pole on @NASA’s #Artemis III mission.
The spacesuit will give lunar explorers extra mobility, protection, & the latest technology. Discover more: https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd pic.twitter.com/bqxcrwR6Y6
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) March 15, 2023
According to the Houston-based company, these suits will provide greater flexibility and greater protection from the moon’s harsh environment. According to CBS News, the new helmet offers improved visibility, and the boots are specially designed for moonwalking with thermal insulation suitable for the moon’s south pole.
These upgraded suits will be worn during the project’s first lunar landing mission, Artemis III, scheduled for 2025.
Axiom is the first spacecraft designed for a woman, according to Peggy Whitson, director of human spaceflight and a former NASA astronaut.
“NASA’s partnership with Axiom is critical to landing astronauts on the Moon and continuing American leadership in space. Based on years of NASA research and expertise, Axiom’s next-generation spacesuits will not only help the first woman walk on the moon, but will also open up opportunities for more people than ever to explore and conduct science on the moon. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement.
Specifically, Artemis III will land astronauts on the Moon, including the first woman, to advance long-term lunar exploration and scientific discovery.
