NASA has unveiled the first prototype of its next-generation spacesuit, designed for the first astronauts expected to return to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program. This newly designed suit is more streamlined, flexible and fits men and women better than the bulky, puffy white lunar suit worn by the Apollo astronauts. The new spacesuits, called the "Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit," or AxEMU for short, will include advances in life support systems, pressure suits and avionics.
A new space suit was unveiled at the Johnson Space Center in Houston during an event hosted for media and students by Axiom Space, the Texas-based company selected by NASA to build the Artemis suits. Artemis program, named after Apollo's twin sister from Greek mythology, aims to establish a sustainable lunar base as a springboard for future human exploration of Mars. The Artemis 1 mission, the inaugural launch of NASA's powerful next-generation rocket and its newly built Orion spacecraft on an unmanned test flight around the Moon and back, was successfully completed in December.
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency plan to have four astronauts selected to fly on Artemis 2, completed the flight already the following year. If successful, the flight will pave the way for a planned astronaut expedition Artemis 3 to the lunar surface, the first to the Moon's south pole. It will also be the first mission to send a woman to walk on the moon. NASA promises that the next Artemis missions will include the first thermo-skinned person on the moon.
A space suit for the next stop on the moon
The new suits are more fitted and comfortable for both men and women, fitting at least 90 % men and women in the US. They have a greater range of motion and variability in size and fit than the old Apollo suits. Axiom has branded the suits as AxEMU and they are designed to suit a wide range of potential users. The exact appearance of the dresses is a closely guarded trade secret, with the outer layer shown at the event. The suits that the astronauts will wear on the moon's south pole will be white because it is the best color to reflect the harsh sunlight on the moon's surface and protect the wearer from extreme heat.
The unveiling of a new next-generation spacesuit for the Artemis program represents an important step toward establishing a sustainable lunar base and future human exploration of Mars. The AxEMU suits are more snug, comfortable and versatile than the old Apollo suits, and will be worn by a more diverse group of astronauts than on previous missions. The Artemis program is expected to pave the way for the next era of space exploration and inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
