Axiom Space will supply the spacesuits that moonwalkers will use when NASA sends the first people to conduct research close to the lunar South Pole.
The first prototype was unveiled on Wednesday during an event at Space Center Houston in Texas, and NASA took part in activities when the business was chosen to create the contemporary suits for the Artemis III mission.
Axiom Space organized the event for students and reporters to ask questions and get a close-up look at the spacesuit, moving the agency’s objective to develop a healthy economy at the Moon by cooperating with commercial service providers ahead.
“NASA’s partnership with Axiom is critical to landing astronauts on the Moon and continuing American leadership in space. Building on NASA’s years of research and expertise, Axiom’s next generation spacesuits will not only enable the first woman to walk on the Moon, but they will also open opportunities for more people to explore and conduct science on the Moon than ever before,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
“Our partnership is investing in America, supporting America’s workers, and demonstrating another example of America’s technical ingenuity that will position NASA and the commercial space sector to compete – and win – in the 21st century.”
In order to further long-term moon exploration and scientific discovery and to motivate the Artemis Generation, Artemis III will send astronauts, including the first female, to the Moon.
NASA chose Axiom Space to provide the spacesuit
NASA chose Axiom Space to provide the spacesuit and moonwalking equipment for the mission.
The spacesuit, known as the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or AxEMU, expands on NASA’s spacesuit prototype advances and includes the newest technology, improved mobility, and increased protection from threats at the Moon.
In order to build the new spacesuit, NASA opted to hire Axiom Space to perform moonwalks under a commercial services contract.
This strategy encourages the business to go after additional commercial clients who could need their moonwalking services.
This win-win strategy supports a developing commercial market and gives NASA the right to exploit the information and technologies created as part of the contract for upcoming exploration projects.
“NASA is leading the way in enabling a growing space economy by leveraging industry capabilities and NASA’s expertise to provide moonwalking services as safely, effectively, and efficiently as possible,” said Lara Kearney, manager of NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility program.
The Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) prototype development efforts by NASA, which advanced spacesuit designs for numerous locations, laid the groundwork for the AxEMU.
During the design and development of the AxEMU, Axiom Space drew on the experience, knowledge, and data underlying the xEMU, including technological developments, training, astronaut comments on comfort and maneuverability, and interoperability with other NASA equipment.
NASA’s earlier development work is being used by Axiom Space to lower technical and scheduling risk.
Axiom Space agreed to comply with these important NASA requirements after NASA specialists specified the technical and safety standards under which the spacesuits will be constructed.
The AxEMU has the flexibility and range of motion required to explore more of the moon’s surface, and the suit can accommodate at least 90% of both the male and female populations in the US.
As development progresses, Axiom Space will continue to implement cutting-edge technological improvements in avionics, pressure suits, and life support systems.
The Artemis III mission’s flight training spacesuits and support equipment, including tools, are designed, developed, qualified, certified, and produced by Axiom Space.
Prior to the voyage, the corporation will test the suit in a spacelike environment. The decision-making power for mission planning, astronaut training, and service system clearance remains with NASA.
The agency will tender for future Artemis mission services under the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract after Artemis III.
The agreement is being used by NASA to fulfil its requirements for spacewalking on the Moon and at the International Space Station.
Collins Aerospace, another competitor for the xEVAS contract, recently received a task order from the agency to create new spacesuits for astronauts to use during spacewalks on the space station.
Future task orders for spacewalking and moonwalking services will put both vendors in competition.
The first woman and the first person of color will touch down on the Moon through Artemis, opening the door for a long-term, sustainable lunar presence that will enable further exploration of the lunar surface and help NASA get ready for future manned flights to Mars.
To read our blog on “For the Artemis Moon landing, NASA gives SpaceX a 2nd contract option,” click here.
