NASA and Axiom Space Developing Simplified Spacesuit for Artemis Moon Missions
NASA and Axiom Space are developing their next-generation spacesuit designed specifically for upcoming Artemis lunar missions. The iteration aims to reduce technical complexity while maintaining core life support and mobility functions required for astronauts working on and around the Moon.
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit Contract Background
According to Axiom Space announcements, the company secured a NASA Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract with a potential total value of $3.5 billion across a 10-year ordering period running from June 2022 to June 2032. Under the fixed-price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity award, Houston-based Axiom Space is tasked with building spacesuits for low Earth Orbit operations and Artemis lunar exploration.
The contract structure authorizes NASA to issue task orders up to $3.1 billion within the $3.5 billion overall ceiling. Axiom Space manages the program from its Houston facilities without an anticipated phase-in period, partnering with industry experts including KBR, Air-Lock, David Clark Company, Paragon Space Development Corporation, Sophic Synergistics, and A-P-T Research, as noted in company documentation.
Technical Design and Commercial Goals
Building on NASA’s previous xEMU spacesuit design, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit integrates pressure garments, life support systems, and avionics to accommodate a wide range of crew members. According to Axiom Space President and CEO Michael Suffredini, the evolvable architecture supports cost-efficient development, testing, training, and real-time operations across multiple mission profiles.
Our innovative approach to xEVAS spacesuits provides NASA with an evolvable design that enables cost-efficient development, testing, training, deployment, and real-time operations to address a variety of EVA needs and operational scenarios for a range of customers, including NASA,
Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space President and CEO
The new suit design serves a dual purpose for the company. Alongside meeting NASA requirements for the International Space Station and lunar surface exploration, the hardware supports Axiom’s broader commercial goals, including the development of Axiom Station as a commercial orbital destination.