NASA is planning to use a simpler spacesuit for its first crewed Artemis moon landing, according to information obtained by Ars. The streamlined design is intended to help the agency accelerate its return to the lunar surface.
NASA announced the decision during an internal meeting this week as it works toward landing astronauts near the Moon’s south pole as early as 2028. Under the direction of Artemis program manager Jeremy Parsons, NASA will work with Axiom Space to develop a streamlined “sortie suit” based on the spacesuit already planned for lunar surface operations.
The new suit is expected to support the first lunar landing mission using a lander developed through cooperation between SpaceX and Blue Origin. NASA officials said the effort will focus on reducing spacesuit weight, lowering technical complexity, and simplifying the connection between the suit and the lunar lander.
NASA Accelerates the Artemis Moon Program
Since NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman took office in December 2025, the agency has been restructuring the Artemis program, which had fallen significantly behind schedule. At the time, NASA’s return to the Moon appeared increasingly unlikely before 2030, raising concerns that China could reach the lunar surface first.
Isaacman is working to move Artemis forward more quickly. With support from Congress, NASA has already announced several major changes, including efforts to streamline production of the Space Launch System rocket, canceling the Lunar Gateway to reduce demands on the lunar lander, and working more closely with SpaceX and Blue Origin to identify their requirements and determine how NASA can support their plans.
Although NASA has released few public details about its partnership with Axiom Space, the company is currently the only provider working under a spacesuit-as-a-service contract to supply suits for astronauts walking on the Moon.
Spacesuits remain a critical part of NASA’s lunar exploration plans. Successful Artemis missions will require more than rockets, spacecraft, and lunar landers. Astronauts will also need modern spacesuits that allow them to travel across the lunar surface, capture images, collect samples, and conduct scientific research.
NASA Plans to Reduce Spacesuit Complexity
NASA awarded spacesuit development contracts to Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace about four years ago. Collins withdrew from the program in 2024 after falling behind schedule and reportedly facing financial challenges, leaving Axiom Space as NASA’s sole spacesuit provider for lunar missions.
Axiom continues to develop the next-generation lunar spacesuit, but private sources have raised concerns about the pace of progress. The proposed sortie suit could help NASA simplify the first Artemis landing mission while maintaining the mobility and protection astronauts need to explore the Moon’s surface.
Source: arstechnica.com