NASA has revealed the redesigned spacesuit that will be used by astronauts during the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2025. The prototype suit, created by Axiom Space, was unveiled at a ceremony on March 15th.

The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) is modeled after the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) prototype developed by NASA. The AxEMU spacesuit is intended to be more maneuverable and comfortable than earlier spacesuits.

Costume designer Esther Marquis, who worked on the television series “For All Humanity,” designed the prototype’s dark gray exterior. The real costume, however, will be white for thermal reasons.

Astronauts will wear the AxEMU suit for the Artemis III mission, during which the first woman and person of color will walk on the Moon. The project represents an important milestone in NASA’s attempts to study the Moon and establish a human presence on its surface.

The AxEMU suit boasts a number of sophisticated features, such as a new waist bearing that allows for a larger range of motion, enhanced cooling systems, and a modular design that allows astronauts to tailor their suits to their specific demands.

Essentially, the AxEMU spacesuit represents a considerable advancement in NASA’s attempts to explore the Moon and beyond, as compared to prior spacesuits. As NASA prepares for the Artemis III mission, the new spacesuit will be vital in assuring the astronauts’ safety and success.