June 8, 2026
The realm of space is about science and precision, but that doesn’t mean it can’t include the same kind of science fiction-inspired attention to design aesthetics that encouraged the early efforts of many of the people helping to get us to space. The influence of fashion can be seen in the recent Artemis II mission, which featured specially designed Reebok sneakers that gave the astronauts an appropriately futuristic look.
Now, in a departure from sports fashion, a private space startup called Axiom Space has teamed with Prada to reveal the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG), the undergarment that will be worn underneath the space suit used by its astronauts. Axiom Space, founded in 2016, is working with NASA in various capacities as the U.S. space agency heads back to the moon. However, Axiom Space’s primary mission is to create a successor to the International Space Station (ISS), allowing private companies to utilize the space station for research operations. The Axiom Station, which is using the ISS to launch its space station, will go into operation in 2028, just before the ISS is fully decommissioned in 2030.
“The LCVG moves the focus from the suit’s protective exterior to the layer closest to the astronaut’s body, where thermal regulation, comfort and reliability are critical,” the company said in a statement. “Prada’s expertise in engineered knitting, advanced materials and innovative design concepts contributed to the development of a next-generation garment created through sophisticated 3D modeling techniques and designed to support astronauts during spacewalks of up to eight hours.”
The space suits will also be used for NASA’s Artemis III lunar mission, which is scheduled to launch in late 2027.
