In a unique fusion of high fashion and space technology, the lunar spacesuit developed for NASA’s Artemis III mission is now on public display at Venturi’s headquarters in Fontvieille, Monaco. The suit, officially known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), has been developed by U.S.-based Axiom Space in collaboration with Italian luxury fashion house Prada. It will remain at Venturi’s premises on Rue du Gabian until mid-June, before travelling to the prestigious Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.
From Milan to the Moon
The AxEMU suit was originally unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan in October 2024. Designed for use during NASA’s Artemis III mission—the first crewed Moon landing since 1972—the suit represents a significant technological leap forward. It incorporates critical upgrades for mobility, durability, and comfort, and is purpose-built for operation in the extreme environment of the lunar south pole.
Prada’s involvement is more than symbolic. While the suit is unmistakably technical in its purpose, Prada contributed to the design of certain materials and mobility enhancements, leveraging its expertise in textile engineering and human ergonomics. This is not the first instance of fashion influencing spacewear; Pierre Cardin famously designed training suits for ESA astronauts in the past. But Prada’s engagement with the AxEMU marks a new era of practical, luxury-influenced innovation in space exploration.
A Closer Look: Technology and Functionality
The AxEMU is not merely a piece of clothing; it functions as a self-contained life-support system. According to Franck Baldet, Technical Director at Venturi Space, this suit is like a mini-spaceship. Housed in the large backpack-like section are vital systems including oxygen storage, CO₂ scrubbers, and a climate control mechanism capable of managing extreme temperature differences between lunar sunlight and shadow.
The suit’s design has been modernized significantly compared to its predecessors from the Apollo program. It is thought to weigh less than 60 kilograms —noticeably lighter than the 80-kilogram suits used during Apollo missions—and allows for improved flexibility at the shoulders and hips. This is crucial for astronauts who will need to traverse challenging, dusty, and uneven lunar terrain.
In addition to these enhancements, the AxEMU includes integrated lighting, high-definition cameras, and the potential for scientific instrumentation, providing astronauts with tools to conduct research without relying solely on handheld devices.
Monaco Showcase and Future Appearances
The suit now occupies a prominent spot within Venturi’s headquarters, sharing space with the VBB-3—currently the world’s fastest electric vehicle—and the FLEX lunar rover. The FLEX vehicle, developed by Venturi’s California-based partner Astrolab, is one of the prototypes under consideration by NASA for use during the Artemis program. Venturi Space played a critical role in developing the rover’s high-performance battery systems.
The Monaco exhibition offers the public a rare glimpse into the future of lunar exploration. Visitors can view the suit through Venturi’s large bay windows on Rue du Gabian. After its Monaco stop, the AxEMU will be featured at the Paris Air Show, scheduled to begin mid-June. Venturi has also hinted in the press at a significant announcement related to space exploration, perhaps even on June 16, during the event.
Artemis III: Looking Ahead
NASA’s Artemis III mission is currently slated for late 2026 and aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon. The mission will mark a historic return to the lunar surface over half a century after the final Apollo mission. Axiom Space’s AxEMU suit, with its Prada-engineered components, will be a central part of that return, allowing astronauts to operate efficiently and safely in one of the most inhospitable environments known to humankind.
As commercial and governmental partnerships continue to define this new era of space exploration, the AxEMU stands as a symbol of how cross-industry collaboration can produce innovations that are both highly functional and forward-looking.
