Prada goes into space: NASA introduced a new piece of equipment for the lunar mission

NASA has unveiled a new inner layer of the spacesuit, created in collaboration with the Italian house Prada. The luxury brand is strengthening its presence in the space industry, offering technologies that were previously used only in the fashion industry.

NASA introduced a new inner layer of the spacesuit, developed jointly with the Italian fashion house Prada, writes xrust. We are talking about the so-called Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment — a form-fitting thermoregulating suit that will become part of the equipment of astronauts as part of the Artemis IV lunar mission, planned for 2028. According to Reuters, the product was created in collaboration with the American company Axiom Space, which develops infrastructure for manned flights.

The new layer of the spacesuit is responsible for cooling, ventilation and maintaining a comfortable body temperature during long walks on the lunar surface. The design uses ventilation channels woven into the fabric, as well as materials that can withstand sudden temperature changes. Axiom Space representatives note that such solutions require expertise from different industries, and Prada's participation was an example of how technology from the fashion industry can be adapted for space.

For Prada, the project is a continuation of its efforts to expand its presence beyond the traditional luxury goods market. The company has already participated in the creation of a prototype spacesuit for the Artemis III mission, and now it is taking it a step further by offering technologically sophisticated elements of equipment. Experts note that the fashion house’s interest in the space industry is explained by the desire to remain visible against the backdrop of declining demand for luxury goods in the world. According to analysts, participation in NASA projects allows the brand to be associated with innovation and strengthen the image of a company focused on advanced technologies.

The collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space and Prada reflects a broader trend: the space industry is becoming a magnet for companies that were not previously involved in aerospace technology. Amid growing interest in commercial flights and the development of space tourism, brands are striving to take a place in a segment that until recently was considered exclusively scientific. Analysts note that the participation of luxury companies in the development of equipment is associated not only with marketing, but also with real technological contributions — from new materials to 3D modeling methods and high-precision fabric processing.

The new element of the spacesuit will be used as an internal part of the equipment, providing astronauts with comfort and safety while working on the surface of the Moon. According to the developers, the suit is capable of maintaining a stable body temperature in conditions where the difference between the sunny and shadow sides can reach hundreds of degrees. This is especially important for Artemis missions, which involve long trips to the surface and work in the region of the lunar south pole, where conditions are considered the most difficult.

The presentation of the suit took place in New York, where Prada demonstrated the product next to a mannequin in a full spacesuit. Representatives of the brand emphasized that participation in the NASA project was an opportunity for the company to apply its own developments in the field of high-tech fabrics and precise modeling. Axiom Space added that such partnerships will shape the development of manned missions in the coming years, as the space industry increasingly attracts expertise from related fields.

On the news https://www.reuters.com

Xrust Prada goes into space: NASA introduced a new piece of equipment for the lunar mission