The Italian luxury house Prada has continued its unexpected collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space. For the Artemis IV mission, the brand has developed a special base layer that astronauts will wear under their spacesuits while working on the lunar surface.

What the new garment is

The Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) is a form-fitting thermal underwear with a built-in system of thin tubes. Coolant fluid circulates through these tubes, while larger channels supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. This design effectively regulates the astronaut's body temperature in conditions of extreme fluctuation — from +120°C in sunlight to -230°C in shadow.

Visually, the garment resembles modern sportswear: a V-neck, thumb holes, and classic stirrups on the legs. There is also a signature Prada accent — a red stripe.

First collaboration between a luxury brand and NASA

Prada has become the first fashion house to participate in creating elements of space gear. In 2024, the company already presented the outer layer of the AxEMU spacesuit — a white suit with red inserts on the sleeves and waist, and reinforced knee and elbow pads. The new spacesuit significantly surpasses Apollo-era models in comfort, mobility, and protection from lunar dust.

"This is not just a beautiful item. It is a safety element and an important technology," emphasized Axiom Space CEO Jonathan Surin.

Why this is needed

The lunar south pole, where the Artemis IV mission will head in 2028, is an extremely challenging environment. Perpetual shadows, sharp temperature swings, and abundant regolith require fundamentally new solutions. Prada has applied its expertise in materials and ergonomics to make the suit more comfortable and efficient.

Additionally, the spacesuits are planned to be modular — this will allow them to be fitted to each astronaut and simplify repairs.

In brief

Prada has developed an innovative base layer with a liquid cooling and ventilation system for astronauts on the Artemis IV mission. The garment will be worn under the new AxEMU spacesuit and will ensure comfort in the extreme temperatures of the lunar south pole. This is the first participation by a luxury fashion house in creating elements of NASA space gear. The astronaut landing using the new equipment is scheduled for 2028.