Prada and NASA: a stylish conquest of space
Prada invites itself into space by collaborating with Axiom Space to design spacesuits for NASA’s Artemis III lunar mission. This partnership marks a new era of cross-industry innovation.
Italian luxury brand Prada has recently taken a surprising new direction. By teaming up with Axiom Space, it is helping to create the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) spacesuit for the Artemis III mission. This mission, led by NASA, marks man’s return to the Moon after more than 50 years. The objective is clear: exploration of the lunar south pole.
A unique partnership
The partnership between Prada and Axiom Space, announced at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, illustrates a bold cross-industry collaboration. As Matt Ondler, President of Axiom Space, points out, “it’s a new kind of collaboration that further expands what’s possible in commercial space”.
Prada’s engineers, accustomed to working in the luxury goods industry, faced unique challenges. In particular, they adapted their sewing techniques and selection of high-performance materials to cope with the extreme conditions of the lunar environment.
A combination of technology and aesthetics
Even if the Prada logo is absent from the suit, recognizable red lines. They echo the brand’s aesthetic, in particular the “Linea Rossa”. This design touch is inspired by the uniforms created by Prada for the America’s Cup sailing competition. A combination of form and function. They will offer astronauts maximum comfort and protection against the frigid temperatures of the lunar polar region.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s Marketing Director, said, “The partnership with Axiom Space has been an unprecedented adventure. I’m particularly proud of our teams, who have been able to provide tailor-made solutions to improve astronauts’ comfort and mobility.”
Prada, towards infinity and beyond
Artemis III is just one step in NASA’s space ambitions. NASA intends to use this mission as a springboard for future expeditions to Mars. Alongside partners such as Axiom Space and SpaceX, NASA is working to develop transport technologies and protocols. These are necessary to enable mankind to venture further into space.
Bertelli spoke of the future, pointing out that Prada continues to innovate with seamless production techniques and high-performance yarns. These innovations could be used not only in spacesuits, but also in future explorations.
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