In an exciting fusion of fashion and space technology, Axiom Space and Prada have unveiled a cutting-edge garment designed for astronauts. This collaboration follows the debut of their Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, introducing the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG), an essential component for the upcoming Artemis IV mission to the Moon in 2028.
The LCVG serves as a crucial base layer worn beneath the AxEMU, ensuring astronauts remain cool and comfortable during their spacewalks. This innovative garment employs a network of tubes circulating cold water to effectively dissipate heat from the astronauts’ bodies. Notably, the design includes a reliable backup system, offering a safety net that older cooling suits lacked. Additionally, the LCVG integrates a ventilation system that supplies fresh oxygen to the helmet and efficiently channels exhaled carbon dioxide to a scrubber for recirculation.
This partnership between Axiom Space and Prada is not NASA’s first venture into merging high-tech materials with high-fashion sensibilities. The agency previously supported the BioSuit concept, a project led by MIT professor Dava Newman, with input from esteemed architect Guillermo Trotti, showcasing the potential of innovative design in space exploration.
