Axiom Space's AxEMU Spacesuit Completes First Uncrewed Thermal Vacuum Test, Advancing Artemis III Lunar Mission

Axiom Space, in collaboration with KBR, has successfully completed the inaugural uncrewed thermal vacuum (TVAC) test of its Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit pressure garment. Conducted at KBR's vacuum chamber facility in San Antonio, Texas, the test evaluated the spacesuit's capabilities to withstand the extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions of space, marking a significant step toward humanity's return to the Moon. "The #AxEMU underwent testing in @KBRincorporated's vacuum chamber in San Antonio, #Texas. It was the first uncrewed thermal vacuum test of the AxEMU Pressure Garment to evaluate its capabilities to face the extreme temperatures of space," Axiom Space stated in a recent tweet.

This critical milestone directly supports NASA's Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon's south pole. The AxEMU spacesuit is designed to offer enhanced mobility, flexibility, and protection for astronauts during lunar surface operations, including the ability to operate in permanently shadowed regions for extended periods. The test at KBR's Aerospace Environment Protection Laboratory (AEPL) holds historical significance, as the same facility was used for training Apollo astronauts for their historic lunar landings.

Axiom Space secured a contract with NASA to develop these next-generation spacesuits for the Artemis III mission, with the initial task order valued at an estimated $228.5 million. Under this Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) services contract, Axiom Space is responsible for the design, development, qualification, certification, production, and astronaut training for the suits. NASA maintains oversight, retaining final approval on safety and technical requirements for astronaut certification.

The recent TVAC test is part of a series of rigorous evaluations for the AxEMU, which is currently in its critical design phase and progressing toward qualification with NASA. Previous testing included dual-suit runs at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) and over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time, further demonstrating the suit's integrity and readiness. Russell Ralston, Axiom Space general manager of extravehicular activity, noted that the test "produced data to inform the AxEMU’s performance and readiness for operational use on the lunar surface." This comprehensive testing regimen ensures the AxEMU will provide astronauts with the necessary tools and protection to explore the lunar environment safely and effectively.