New Spacesuits Pass Lunar Test, Reviving Apollo Legacy for Artemis Program

SAN ANTONIO, TX – November 20, 2025

A New Generation Takes Shape

KBR and Axiom Space have successfully completed a critical uncrewed thermal vacuum test of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, a landmark achievement in preparation for the Artemis III mission. The test, conducted at KBR’s Aerospace Environment Protection Laboratory (AEPL) in San Antonio, Texas, validates the suit’s thermal performance and materials in a simulated space environment, bringing humanity a step closer to returning to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years. This milestone isn't just about technological advancement; it's a revival of a legacy forged during the Apollo program, now blended with innovative commercial partnerships.

Echoes of Apollo: A Historic Facility Reborn

The AEPL facility itself holds a significant place in space exploration history. Originally built to support the Apollo program, it served as a crucial training ground for astronauts and a testing hub for early spacesuits and equipment. “The facility has a unique energy. There's a palpable sense of history, a connection to those who came before,” shared a source familiar with the AEPL’s operations. To see it once again at the forefront of lunar preparations is a testament to its enduring value and the cyclical nature of space exploration. The recent test leveraged the facility’s large thermal vacuum chambers to subject the AxEMU to the extreme temperature swings and vacuum conditions of the lunar environment. This rigorous testing is essential to ensure the suit can protect astronauts and facilitate their operations on the lunar surface.

Beyond Hardware: The Rise of Commercial Space Partnerships

The AxEMU’s development highlights a growing trend in space exploration: the increasing role of commercial partnerships. Axiom Space, as the prime contractor, is taking a different approach than traditional NASA contracts. The company aims to own the spacesuits and provide them as a service to NASA, reducing the agency’s long-term costs and accelerating the development of new technologies. “This model allows for greater flexibility and innovation,” explained an industry analyst. “By taking on the ownership and maintenance of the suits, Axiom can respond more quickly to changing requirements and incorporate new advancements.” KBR’s role as a key subcontractor further exemplifies this collaborative approach, providing crucial engineering and testing expertise. This blend of NASA’s decades of experience and the agility of commercial companies is proving to be a powerful force in driving the Artemis program forward.

Technological Leaps in Lunar Mobility and Safety

The AxEMU isn’t simply an upgraded version of previous spacesuits. It incorporates several key technological advancements designed to enhance astronaut mobility, safety, and operational capabilities. One significant improvement is the suit’s enhanced joint bearings and materials, which provide a greater range of motion and flexibility, particularly in the hips, shoulders, and knees. This increased mobility is crucial for performing complex tasks on the lunar surface, such as collecting samples, deploying instruments, and constructing habitats. The suit also features advanced dust-sealing mechanisms and materials to protect astronauts from the abrasive lunar dust, which can damage equipment and pose health risks. Furthermore, the AxEMU is designed to accommodate a wider range of astronaut body types, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all crew members. “The goal is to create a suit that is not only functional but also comfortable and adaptable,” noted a source involved in the suit’s design. “Astronauts need to be able to move freely and efficiently while wearing the suit, and that requires a lot of careful engineering and testing.”

Navigating Delays and the Future of Artemis

Despite this success, the Artemis program as a whole has faced challenges, including delays and budget overruns. The initial target of a 2024 landing has been pushed back to no earlier than 2027, and some estimates suggest it could be delayed further. These delays are attributed to a combination of factors, including technical challenges with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and the Human Landing System (HLS). “There are inherent risks in any complex endeavor like this,” stated an industry insider. “It's important to be realistic about the challenges and to be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.” Despite these setbacks, the Artemis program remains a high priority for NASA and the Biden administration. The agency is committed to returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence there as a stepping stone to future missions to Mars. The successful thermal vacuum test of the AxEMU spacesuit is a positive sign that the program is moving in the right direction and that a return to the Moon is within reach.