NASA chose Axiom Space for the Artemis III mission suits, suits that will be compatible with a wide variety of bodies. Space exploration is about to enter a new era.
The Artemis III mission will return a man to the Moon, two astronauts will carry out up to four exits to the surface of our natural satellite. The US space agency today selected a company to be responsible for developing the spacesuits that Artemis astronauts will wear to explore the lunar landscape. This delicate mission will be entrusted to Axiom Space with an order worth at least $228.5 million.
NASA selects Axiom Space for Artemis III suits
Axiom is one of two companies NASA named as official partners for the Artemis suit last June, the other being Collins Aerospace. For this order, the agency explains that it reviewed proposals from the two companies and selected Axiom to design, develop, certify and manufacture the suits and equipment for extra-vehicular activities (xEVAS) for the Artemis III.
The XEVAS Axiom will be developed from the Exploration extra-vehicular mobility (xEMU) suits that the agency has developed for the Artemis missions. They adapt to many different crew member profiles and offer increased flexibility as well as specialized exploration tools.
Combinations that will be compatible with a wide variety of bodies
The fact that Axiom is designing suits for very different bodies is of particular significance as humanity prepares to explore the Moon and other more distant cosmic destinations. If you remember, an all-female spacewalk had to be canceled in 2019 due to a lack of suitable equipment, highlighting the need for design and spacesuits of different sizes. Artemis III is set to land the first woman on the surface of the moon, and Axiom confirmed in its announcement that it will develop an xEVAS suit for this female astronaut.
Space exploration prepares to enter a new era
Michael Saffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space, said:
Our redesigned and upgraded suits will allow for rapid improvements to more advanced and safer technologies over time, allowing our astronauts to always have reliable, high performance equipment. We look forward to providing these advanced tools to our space pioneers to help expand humanity.
Note that this command only affects the landing of the Artemis III. The two companies will participate in other tenders, including spacesuits for re-entry and the development of spacesuits for missions outside the ISS in low Earth orbit.