From Bunny Hops to Agile Steps
The original spacesuits of the Apollo program were marvels of 1960s engineering, but they were also incredibly restrictive. Famously, astronauts who fell on the lunar surface struggled to get back up. That limited mobility was acceptable for the relatively
flat, equatorial regions explored during those first missions. However, the Artemis program has a much more ambitious destination: the Moon's south pole. This region is a world of extremes, defined by rugged, heavily cratered landscapes, steep slopes, and permanently shadowed regions where temperatures can plummet. To conduct meaningful science here—to bend down, collect rock samples, and navigate treacherous terrain—astronauts need suits that allow them to move far more naturally. The iconic bunny hop of the past has to be replaced with the ability to walk, bend, and kneel with ease.
A New Commercial Partnership
Instead of developing the new suits entirely in-house, NASA has embraced a new commercial model. The agency awarded contracts to private companies to design, build, and maintain the new suits. Axiom Space is leading the development of the lunar surface suit, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or AxEMU. This approach allows NASA to function as a customer, purchasing services from specialists. Axiom Space has even partnered with Italian luxury fashion house Prada to leverage its expertise in advanced materials and composite manufacturing. This public-private partnership is designed to foster innovation and create a more sustainable and adaptable system for future missions, not just to the Moon but eventually to Mars. Another company, Collins Aerospace, was initially contracted to develop suits for the International Space Station, though that contract was later changed.
Engineered for Unprecedented Mobility
The key to the AxEMU's capability is its focus on mobility. Building on years of NASA's own research, the new suits incorporate a system of advanced joints and bearings in the arms, legs, and even the waist. These components allow for a much greater range of motion, enabling astronauts to twist, bend at the hips, and kneel down to interact with the lunar surface. The suits are also designed to be far more accommodating. While Apollo suits were custom-built for a limited pool of male astronauts, the AxEMU is designed to fit a broad range of body types, accommodating at least 90% of the US male and female population. This increased adjustability and sizing is critical for ensuring that a diverse new generation of explorers can participate in lunar missions.
Built for a Harsh New World
The flexibility of the AxEMU is directly tied to the scientific goals of the Artemis missions. Exploring the lunar south pole means venturing into some of the most challenging environments in the solar system. The suit is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, from blazing sunlight to the intense cold of craters that haven't seen the sun in billions of years. It offers enhanced protection from the Moon's abrasive dust and the higher radiation levels found outside Earth's protective magnetic field. Integrated into the helmet are lights to illuminate shadowed areas and a high-definition video camera to share the view with scientists back on Earth. Every feature is designed not just for survival, but to transform the astronaut into an effective field scientist in an alien landscape.
The Road Ahead
Developing a one-person spacecraft is no simple task. The new suits have undergone extensive testing, including underwater simulations and trials in simulated lunar gravity to provide feedback on their design and functionality. While the advancements are significant, some former astronauts have noted that the new suits are heavier than their predecessors and that mobility challenges, like a high center of gravity, still exist. However, engineers are continuing to refine the designs. The goal is to deliver a fleet of training suits to NASA, ensuring the Artemis crews are fully prepared for their historic missions. These suits represent a critical step in enabling the long-term, sustainable human presence on the Moon that the Artemis program aims to achieve.
