The space suit that will be used by astronauts for the upcoming Artemis 3 lunar mission has just been unveiled by NASA and Axiom Space. The Artemis III mission, scheduled for launch in late 2025, will be the first to visit the Moon since Apollo 17, back in 1972.
The new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuitprototype was demonstrated in an event at Space CenterHouston, USA on the 15 March 2023. This prototype was shown in black to hide various secret elements of the design, but once the mission is ready for launch, this suit will be white in colour.
These newspacesuits have been designed to provide excellent flexibility andgreater protection to astronauts once they reach the lunar surface.
Space suit reveal
Chief engineer Jim Stein wears the new spacesuit during the Axiom Space Artemis III lunar spacesuit event at Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA, on 15 March 2023. Photo by Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images
Gloves
A close-up image of the gloves of Axiom'snew Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) space suit. Photo by Axiom Space
Logo
Detail image of the logo of Axiom'snew Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) space suit. The advanced spacesuit ensures astronauts are equipped with high-performing, robust equipment and can accommodate a wide range of crew members. Photo by Axiom Space
Designing and manufacturing
Members of Axiom Space’s Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) team work on building the next generation spacesuit at the company’s Houston headquarters. Photo by Axiom Space/Manny Jawa
Get on yer boots
Chief Engineer Jim Stein demonstrates the boots for the new spacesuit during the Axiom Space Artemis III Lunar Spacesuit event at Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas, USA, 15 March 2023. Photo by Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images
Mobility demonstration
Chief Engineer Jim Stein shows the mobility of the new spacesuit during the Axiom Space Artemis III lunar spacesuit event at Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas, USA, 15 March 2023. Photo by Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images
Audience interaction
Chief engineer Jim Stein interacts with a young audience member atSpace Center Houston in Houston, Texas, USA, 15 March 2023. Photo by Axiom Space
James Cutmore is the picture editor of BBC Science Focus Magazine. He has worked on the magazine and website for over a decade, telling compelling science stories through the use of striking imagery. He holds a degree in Fine Art, and has been nominated for the British Society of Magazine Editors Talent Awards, being highly commended in 2020. His main areas of interest include photography that highlights positive technology and the natural world. For many years he was a judge for the Wellcome Trust's image competition, as well as judging for the Royal Photographic Society.
Chief Engineer Jim Stein wears the new spacesuit during the Axiom Space Artemis III Lunar Spacesuit event at Space Center Houston in Houston, Texas, on March 15, 2023. - "Since a spacesuit worn on the Moon must be white to reflect heat and protect astronauts from extreme high temperatures, a cover layer is currently being used for display purposes only to conceal the suits proprietary design, " Axion said in a press release. (Photo by Mark Felix / AFP) (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP /AFP via Getty Images)
