Oakley and Axiom Space Create Gold-Plated Visor for Artemis III Astronauts
NASA’s Artemis III endeavor, slated for liftoff in 2027, is poised to signify a groundbreaking return to the Moon, with a focus on achieving a lunar landing. This undertaking will represent the first crewed lunar touchdown since Apollo 17 in 1972. A significant feature of Artemis III is the unveiling of a novel spacesuit, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), specifically designed for lunar conditions and conceptualized by Axiom Space, with outer layer contributions from Prada. The suit boasts a cutting-edge visor system crafted by Oakley, renowned for its innovation in advanced eyewear technology.
The AxEMU spacesuit is engineered to withstand the formidable lunar environment, incorporating elements such as a gold-plated visor. Gold is chosen for its reflective qualities that shield astronauts from severe sunlight and radiation, guaranteeing their visual safety. This visor features Oakley’s High-Definition Optics (HDO) technology, which improves clarity and functionality for astronauts maneuvering across the lunar terrain.
The Artemis III mission includes two astronauts dedicating roughly a week to studying the Moon’s surface, particularly around the South Pole. This mission underscores the significance of visibility and protection, as the lunar surface presents challenges like blinding sunlight and gritty dust. The gold-layered visor serves to alleviate these concerns, including added coatings for enhanced durability and safeguarding.
Koichi Wakata, an astronaut and Chief Technology Officer at Axiom Space, emphasized the need for a sophisticated visor system to combat the extreme solar conditions faced on the Moon. Oakley aligns with this perspective by likening astronauts to athletes, both of whom function in extreme conditions that necessitate specialized gear for safety and performance.
The alliance between Axiom Space and Oakley signifies a blend of space exploration and advanced material technology, harnessing industry expertise to prioritize astronaut safety and mission effectiveness. This collaboration is part of a wider movement of partnerships involving fashion and technology brands in space exploration, exemplifying innovation and flexibility in creating equipment for extraterrestrial settings.
Artemis III not only aspires to enhance human presence on the Moon but also lays the groundwork for upcoming Mars expeditions, building upon the technological and operational principles established by this historic lunar initiative.