{"id":367377,"date":"2026-02-13T04:11:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T18:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=962719"},"modified":"2026-02-13T04:11:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T18:11:14","slug":"nasa-moon-mission-spacesuit-nears-milestone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=367377","title":{"rendered":"NASA Moon Mission Spacesuit Nears Milestone"},"content":{"rendered":"
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4 min read<\/p>\n

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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A NASA crew member practices using lunar tools to collect geology samples at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center during an elevated suit pressure test where teams evaluate how well crew perform tasks in different suit pressure levels while wearing the Artemis III lunar spacesuit developed by Axiom Space called the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit).<\/div>\n
NASA\/Bill Stafford<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The next-generation spacesuit for NASA\u2019s Artemis III mission continues to advance by passing a contractor-led technical review, as the agency prepares to send humans to the Moon\u2019s South Pole for the first time.\u00a0Testing is also underway for the new suits, built by Axiom Space, with\u00a0NASA astronauts and spacesuit engineers recently simulating surface operations and tasks underwater to demonstrate safety and mobility.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit), is designed to give astronauts increased flexibility and improved mobility for moonwalking, including bending down to collect geology samples and perform a variety of scientific tasks.\u00a0The suit features increased sizing options and adjustability to fit a wider range of crew members. It incorporates advanced life-support systems and enhanced protection to withstand the harsh lunar environment.\u00a0Axiom Space is also developing specialized tools and equipment for work on the lunar surface, allowing astronauts to more easily gather geology samples.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now that Axiom Space has completed their technical review of the AxEMU, NASA\u00a0will evaluate\u00a0whether\u00a0the spacesuit\u00a0is ready for the agency\u2019s Artemis III mission that will return American astronauts to the Moon. A NASA-led critical design sync review, which is an agency-required technical evaluation, will confirm that the design\u2019s hardware and systems are on track for final testing and delivery. In parallel, Axiom Space has begun receiving parts for the first flight unit, which will be assembled later this spring.<\/p>\n

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This achievement reflects our shared commitment to deliver a safe, capable lunar spacesuit that will enable astronauts to explore the Moon\u2019s surface.<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\"Lara<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Lara Kearney<\/p>\n

Manager, Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThe completion of their internal review brings Axiom Space one step closer to delivering a next-generation lunar spacesuit,\u201d said Lara Kearney, manager of the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program at Johnson Space Center in Houston. \u201cThis achievement reflects our shared commitment to deliver a safe, capable lunar spacesuit that will enable astronauts to explore the Moon\u2019s surface.\u201d<\/p>\n

NASA and Axiom Space\u00a0have conducted over 850 hours of pressurized testing with a person inside the AxEMU. Leading up to the review, teams conducted underwater and simulated lunar gravity tests of the AxEMU in facilities at NASA Johnson that demonstrate how the spacesuit\u2019s capabilities will offer increased mobility as astronauts explore the Moon\u2019s surface and prepare for missions to Mars. These tests allow astronauts and engineers to become familiar with the spacesuit and practice moving and performing tasks in a simulated lunar gravity environment, which is one-sixth the gravity we experience on Earth. Suit users have provided\u00a0feedback on design, functionality, and safety.<\/p>\n