Axiom Space Completes Initial Testing of Next-Gen NASA Spacesuit

What's Happening?

Axiom Space, in collaboration with KBR, has completed initial testing of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) at NASA's Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The AxEMU is designed for the Artemis III mission, the first post-Apollo Moon landing with astronauts, planned for mid-2027. The testing involved underwater sessions to evaluate the spacesuit's performance, with the AxEMU remaining sealed and airtight. The next phase will involve dual suit runs and lunar task assessments. Axiom Space was selected by NASA for spacesuit development, with a task order valued at $228.5 million.

Why It's Important?

The development of the AxEMU spacesuit is crucial for the success of the Artemis III mission, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon. Axiom Space's collaboration with NASA and other partners highlights the importance of commercial involvement in space exploration. The successful testing of the AxEMU indicates progress in spacesuit technology, providing astronauts with enhanced mobility and protection. This development supports NASA's goals for deep-space missions and could influence future collaborations between commercial entities and government agencies in space exploration.

What's Next?

Axiom Space will continue testing the AxEMU with dual suit runs and lunar task assessments. The focus will shift to crew training for lunar surface operations. Axiom Space's partnership with KBR and other companies will further enable the development of spacesuits for deep-space missions. The company is also working on spacesuits for low Earth orbit operations, with potential task orders valued at $142 million over four years. These efforts will contribute to NASA's long-term goals for space exploration and the Artemis program.