Prada, long the trademark style statement of the high and mighty, is all set to soar even higher - quite literally.
NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the lunar South Pole will feature astronauts in Prada-designed suits, according to an announcement on Wednesday. Axiom Space, a private space company, has partnered with the Italian luxury brand to create these suits and spacewalk systems for the mission scheduled for September 2026.
The exterior of the suit will be predominantly white, similar to those worn during the Apollo missions over 50 years ago, but with added grey and red stripes inspired by Italy's Luna Rossa America's Cup boat, also sponsored by Prada.
Matt Ondler, Axiom Space president, said at a press event in Milan, “They will go in places that are incredibly hazardous, extreme environments." He noted the suits needed "extreme engineering" and "fantastic manufacturing capability."
The mission aims to explore the lunar South Pole's water craters, some of the universe's coldest spots. The suit needs to withstand temperatures ranging from 54 degrees Celsius in the sun to minus 203 degrees Celsius in shadowed areas.
The suits are designed to offer comfort and protection from radiation, external pressure, and provide power and oxygen for up to eight-hour moonwalks. Russell Ralston, Axiom spacesuit program manager, said, "We've blended engineering, science and art to produce the ultimate garments for future moonwalkers, ensuring that astronauts can perform their tasks and missions in safety and comfort."
The boots of the suits were particularly challenging to design for insulation and durability. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s marketing manager, stated that the materials used remain confidential.
The Artemis 3 mission will also see the first woman landing on the moon, and the suits will be unisex, adaptable to different sizes.
NASA's Artemis 3 mission to the lunar South Pole will feature astronauts in Prada-designed suits, according to an announcement on Wednesday. Axiom Space, a private space company, has partnered with the Italian luxury brand to create these suits and spacewalk systems for the mission scheduled for September 2026.
The exterior of the suit will be predominantly white, similar to those worn during the Apollo missions over 50 years ago, but with added grey and red stripes inspired by Italy's Luna Rossa America's Cup boat, also sponsored by Prada.
Matt Ondler, Axiom Space president, said at a press event in Milan, “They will go in places that are incredibly hazardous, extreme environments." He noted the suits needed "extreme engineering" and "fantastic manufacturing capability."
The mission aims to explore the lunar South Pole's water craters, some of the universe's coldest spots. The suit needs to withstand temperatures ranging from 54 degrees Celsius in the sun to minus 203 degrees Celsius in shadowed areas.
The suits are designed to offer comfort and protection from radiation, external pressure, and provide power and oxygen for up to eight-hour moonwalks. Russell Ralston, Axiom spacesuit program manager, said, "We've blended engineering, science and art to produce the ultimate garments for future moonwalkers, ensuring that astronauts can perform their tasks and missions in safety and comfort."
The boots of the suits were particularly challenging to design for insulation and durability. Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s marketing manager, stated that the materials used remain confidential.
The Artemis 3 mission will also see the first woman landing on the moon, and the suits will be unisex, adaptable to different sizes.
You may also like
CRPF to Take Over VIP Security as Govt Orders Withdrawal of NSG Commandos
Brits are obsessed with Italians - and want to live like them too
Misbehaviour with woman scribe case: Suresh Gopi moves bail plea in Kerala court
Meghan Markle's influence on Prince Harry laid bare after expert spots clue at outing
Attractive three bedroom home on auction for bargain price of £200K - but there's a huge problem
Sajid inspires Pakistan turnaround after Duckett hundred
Motorists slam 19-mile diverted traffic route - for just 550 yards of roadworks
Youth got opportunities due to PM Modi's initiatives: VP Dhankhar
Anjum Chopra Backs Harmanpreet As India's Best Long-term Captain Choice
'My Son Has Come Back': Actor Darshan Case Victim Renukaswamy's Father After Birth Of Grandson
Towns are revealed where home buyers can save up to £50,000 buying a property
Hot mess: Shraddha Kapoor paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Dhoom 4: Report
Rs 900 crore in Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 account already: Reports
I'm an ex-Archbishop of Canterbury and this is why I changed my mind on assisted dying
Kyle Walker's web of lies that saw marriage crumble - love children and 'secret double life'
Mum shares simple 'porch rule' for naming babies to avoid future regrets
Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala accuses Mahayuti govt of "misleading" people
Ted Cruz bets Texas re-election on transgeder issues
Bangladesh Drop Khaled Ahmed For First Test Against SA; Shakib To Play Final Test Series
Emmerdale Liam's new love interest on soap 'sealed' - and it's not Chas or Ella