The devil may wear Prada on Earth, but NASA Artemis astronauts will on the moon. Here's why.

NASA is collaborating with the Italian fashion house Prada and Houston-based private space company Axiom Space to design new spacesuits for its Artemis lunar missions. These suits, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), are set to be worn by astronauts during Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions. The suits offer enhanced mobility, improved protection against cosmic radiation, and adjustable features to accommodate a wider range of body types. The design was unveiled at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan. The Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, with Artemis 3 scheduled for 2027 and Artemis 4 for 2028. Artemis 3 will test the new Prada-designed suits in low Earth orbit before lunar surface operations begin. Notably, Artemis 4 is expected to include the first woman to set foot on the moon. NASA’s broader vision includes establishing a sustainable lunar base to support long-term exploration and serve as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars. This partnership marks a unique intersection of fashion and space exploration, highlighting the evolving role of private companies in supporting NASA’s goals. Prada’s involvement brings a fresh approach to spacesuit design, emphasizing both functionality and style. As NASA pushes forward with its Artemis initiative, these innovations in spacesuit technology are critical for ensuring astronaut safety and performance in the harsh lunar environment.