NASA astronauts bound for the Moon in 2028 will be equipped with high-tech suits and undergarments created through an unprecedented collaboration between Italian luxury house Prada and aerospace company Axiom Space. The new Liquid Cooling Ventilation Garment (LCVG), unveiled this week, will be worn as the inner layer underneath the outer spacesuit during lunar surface activities, providing essential protection as astronauts venture onto the Moon’s surface for the first time in over 50 years.
Prada and Axiom previously presented prototype spacesuits to NASA in 2024 for the Artemis III mission, scheduled to take place in 2028. The newly revealed undergarment is a key next step in the development process, according to a joint statement by the companies. Using advanced 3D modelling technology, designers created a full-body suit that offers cooling, comfort, and breathability, making it suitable for multiple uses during extended missions.
The durability of the product means astronauts can rely on it for longer periods, a crucial factor for the demands of deep space exploration.
The heat that astronauts generate during missions gets absorbed by cold water, which is circulated through tubes that run across the body’s main muscle groups. In case the cooling loop malfunctions, a backup system is in place to ensure continued protection. Additionally, a separate network of tubes supplies fresh oxygen over the astronaut’s face, helping to remove exhaled carbon dioxide and maintain safe breathing conditions.
While luxury fashion brands have often drawn inspiration from space exploration, Prada’s hands-on involvement marks a significant shift towards direct cooperation. Industry experts interpret this partnership as an effort to position Prada as a forward-thinking, avant-garde brand, while also appealing to affluent consumers interested in the growing sector of space tourism.
High-profile entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are increasingly focusing on luxury space travel for wealthy clients, further boosting the intersection of fashion and space.
Other brands joining the race to dress future spacefarers include Under Armour and Columbia Sportswear, both of which have also developed garments tailored for the unique conditions of space.
