Axiom Space tests lunar spacesuit at NASA’s Johnson Space Center

NASA is preparing to land Americans on the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years through the Artemis campaign. When the Artemis III crew members take their first steps near the South Pole of the Moon, they will wear a spacesuit developed by Axiom Space.

Axiom Space was selected by NASA to deliver the moonwalking system, including the spacesuit, for the Artemis III mission in September 2022. Late last year, the agency and Axiom Space test subjects wore the next-generation lunar spacesuit during testing at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they performed several maneuverability tasks that will be required during the moonwalk. This includes bending down to pick up lunar samples while using lunar geology tools.

Axiom Space will continue to test the lunar spacesuit in space-like environments as it is working to finalize the spacesuit's design. These tests are integral to ensuring the spacesuit is effective and complies with NASA's safety and performance requirements.

👩‍🚀 🌕 #NASA is preparing for astronauts to take their first steps on the South Pole of the Moon.Last year, @NASA_Johnson began testing the spacesuits the crew will use by simulating scenarios and tasks the crew will perform during their mission.MORE>>https://t.co/zE5jqqY29Q pic.twitter.com/0l9tImtc3B

— NASA_SLS (@NASA_SLS) January 30, 2024

The crew of Artemis III will ride to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft - the only spacecraft capable of returning crews to Earth at lunar reentry velocities. The crew will descend to the Moon's surface where they will collect samples, perform science experiments, and observe the lunar environment before returning to orbit aboard the Starship HLS.

The crewed mission to the lunar South Pole will pave the way for a long-term lunar presence and serve as a stepping stone to send the first astronauts to Mars.