Axiom Space's Next-Gen Spacesuit is Crew Tested for 1st Time in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab - ASDNews

Stay informed with our free newsletters Aerospace Space Axiom Space's Next-Gen Spacesuit is Crew Tested for 1st Time in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab Axiom Space © In June, Koichi Wakata, Axiom Space astronaut and Chief Technology Officer, was the first to test the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The Axiom Space-developed spacesuit will enable astronauts to explore the Moon for the first time in over 50 years as part of the Artemis III mission to the lunar south pole. The tests were first conducted with Wakata, followed by NASA spacesuit engineers Kristine Davis and Richard Rhodes and focused on the integration of the AxEMU into the NBL facility. The NBL is one of the world's largest indoor pools, used for astronaut training and mission preparation, allowing astronauts to simulate lunar surface tasks in partial gravity or spacewalks in zero gravity.  Optical (laser) Satellite Communication Market - Global Forecast To 2030 by Laser Type (Semiconductor Diode, Fiber, Solid-state), Data Rate (< 2.5, 2.5-10, > 10 GBPs), Platform, Application, Component and Region Download free sample pages The Axiom Space Extravehicular Activity (EVA) program team tested the operations and capabilities of the communications, breathing, and cooling systems of the spacesuit in the pool. The team worked to familiarize the NBL divers with the AxEMU’s operations and support systems. In preparation of the Artemis III mission, Axiom Space and NASA’s Artemis Program teams will continue to conduct tests in the NBL to train for EVA tasks on the lunar surface. The AxEMU continues to undergo extensive testing to ensure it will be ready to support Artemis III. This year, the EVA program team accomplished several key achievements, including completing its first three crewed tests in the NBL; 23 tests in NASA’s Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) that provides a simulated reduced gravity environment; multiple field evaluations using lunar tools; and lunar regolith challenge testing demonstrating that the suit exceeds its mission requirements in this area. The spacesuit continues to undergo integrated tests with the Lunar Terrain Vehicles (LTVs) and is scheduled to enter the Critical Design Review (CDR) later this year. Axiom Space remains laser-focused on the development of this next-generation spacesuit providing astronauts with increased flexibility, mobility, and safety capabilities. Publishdate: Jul 8, 2025 Axiom Space View original News release Forward to a Colleague More news releases from Axiom Space NASA Selects Axiom Space for 5th Private Astronaut Mission to ISS Jan 30, 2026 Axiom Space, KBR Successfully Complete 1st Uncrewed Thermal Vacuum Test of Next-Gen Spacesuit Nov 20, 2025 Axiom Space and Resonac Sign MOU to Advance Space-Based Semiconductor Manufacturing Oct 1, 2025 Engineered for Astronauts: Oakley, Axiom Space Launch Next-Gen Visor System Jul 11, 2025 Axiom Space Clears Major Milestone as it Prepares to Connect Axiom Station to ISS Apr 4, 2025 Other recent Space News news releases Boeing-built Space Launch System Core Stage Powers 1st Crewed Artemis Mission Around the Moon Apr 2, 2026 LM-built Orion Spacecraft Sends Astronauts Moonward for the 1st Time in 53 Years Apr 2, 2026 Liftoff! NASA Launches Astronauts on Historic Artemis Moon Mission Apr 2, 2026 Heart of the Mission: Airbus-built ESM to Power Historic Artemis II Crew to the Moon Apr 1, 2026 Europe's Engines Powering Artemis II Mar 30, 2026 Military Space Situational Awareness Conference 2025 London, United Kingdom May 5 - 7, 2026 View agenda