NASA’s next-generation lunar spacesuit has cleared a major design milestone, bringing the agency one step closer to sending astronauts to explore the Moon’s South Pole. The AxEMU, developed by Axiom Space, recently completed a rigorous contractor-led technical review, verifying that the suit’s systems are on track for final testing and delivery ahead of the Artemis III mission.
Designed for the harsh conditions of the lunar environment, the AxEMU represents a significant leap forward in mobility and flexibility. Unlike the bulky suits of the Apollo era, this new model allows astronauts to bend, squat, and collect geological samples with greater ease. It features adjustable sizing to accommodate a wider range of body types and includes advanced life support systems that provide enhanced protection against temperature extremes and lunar dust.
To validate the suit’s performance, NASA and Axiom Space have conducted more than 850 hours of pressurized testing with human test subjects. This includes simulations in NASA Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, a 40-foot-deep pool where the suit is weighted to mimic the Moon’s one-sixth gravity. Astronauts and engineers practice movements and task operations underwater to assess safety, range of motion, and overall functionality.
Additional testing is underway at the Active Response Gravity Offload System facility, where an overhead lift system creates a simulated lunar gravity environment. Here, test subjects walk and perform tasks while wearing the suit at different pressure levels. Higher pressures help reduce the time needed for astronauts to acclimate, allowing for longer and more productive surface exploration during Artemis missions.
With the internal review now complete, NASA will conduct its own critical design sync review to confirm the suit is ready for the Artemis III mission. Meanwhile, Axiom Space has begun receiving components for the first flight unit, which is scheduled for assembly this spring. The company is also developing specialized tools to support lunar geology work.
Safety remains the cornerstone of the program. NASA has leveraged over five decades of spacesuit expertise to define strict technical and safety requirements. At every development milestone, the agency evaluates the AxEMU to ensure risks to crew members are fully understood and minimized.
The AxEMU is part of a broader effort to enable sustained lunar exploration. Alongside advanced landers and rovers, these suits will support scientific discovery, resource utilization, and technology demonstrations on the Moon—all of which are essential preparation for future human missions to Mars. As NASA and its partners push the boundaries of exploration, the new spacesuit stands as a symbol of innovation and a critical tool for the next generation of moonwalkers.
