In an exciting blend of fashion and space exploration, the first woman to walk on the Moon will be donning a Prada-designed spacesuit as part of NASA’s Artemis III mission, set for 2026. This mission, marking the first human landing at the lunar South Pole, introduces a bold collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space, merging high-tech engineering with high-end style.

A Historic Mission for Diversity and Discovery

Artemis III isn’t just another Moon landing—it will also make history by sending the first woman and person of color to the lunar surface. Christina Koch, part of the Artemis crew, is expected to be a key figure in this groundbreaking mission. Before Artemis III, the Artemis II mission is scheduled for September 2025, where astronauts will fly around the Moon to prepare for the following landing.

The South Pole region of the Moon, where Artemis III will take place, remains largely unexplored, with extreme temperatures ranging from a scorching 54°C (129°F) to a frigid -203°C (-333°F). The mission also aims to investigate water presence in the craters, some of which are among the coldest places in the universe.

A Fusion of Fashion and Space Technology

Prada’s design influence on the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), the new generation of spacesuits, adds an artistic touch to cutting-edge space gear. While staying true to the iconic heat-reflective white outer layer traditionally seen in astronaut suits, Prada has introduced stylish grey and red accents reminiscent of its Luna Rossa creations. These suits not only stand out aesthetically but are also designed to handle the harsh lunar environment.

The AxEMU, unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, is the result of rigorous engineering and testing by Axiom Space, including underwater trials to simulate the Moon’s surface. These suits are engineered to support astronauts in spacewalks lasting up to eight hours and provide protection from the extreme conditions of the lunar South Pole.

Prada’s Entry into the Space Race

Luxury brands have increasingly been exploring partnerships with the space industry, and Prada’s involvement is part of this growing trend. As space exploration and tourism expand, design and technology are converging in new ways. Last month, Pierre Cardin introduced an astronaut training suit for the European Space Agency, while Hilton Hotels has partnered with Voyager Space to design accommodations for upcoming commercial space stations.

Axiom Space President Matt Ondler emphasized the challenge of creating suits capable of withstanding such hazardous environments. Astronauts will rely on these suits for protection from extreme cold, radiation, and pressure changes, as well as for their mobility and oxygen supply during moonwalks.

Looking Back at Milestones in Space Exploration

This mission also honors the legacy of women in space, starting with Valentina Tereshkova, who became the first woman in space in 1963 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Vostok 6. In 1984, Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk. Since then, 24 people have traveled to the Moon, but only 12 have walked on its surface, and all of them were men—until now.

Prada’s collaboration with Axiom Space marks a significant moment, not only for the history of fashion but also for the future of space exploration. By merging form and function, these suits will enable astronauts to safely explore the lunar surface while introducing a new era of design in space travel.