NASA simplifies lunar spacesuit design for Artemis missions

NASA has decided to simplify the design of lunar spacesuits for upcoming Artemis missions to address significant program delays. In collaboration with Axiom Space, the agency is developing a variant known as the ‘Sortie Suit.’

This new approach aims to reduce the weight, complexity, and cost of the suits, which were previously criticized by the agency’s inspector general for having overly stringent requirements that resulted in heavy and cumbersome designs. The simplified suits are intended to improve integration with lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The decision follows a broader review of the Artemis program by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. By streamlining the suit requirements, NASA seeks to expedite the timeline for landing astronauts at the lunar south pole, with missions targeted as early as 2028.