NASA selects simplified Axiom Space suit for Artemis lunar missions

September 5, 2026 at 08:40 AM2 min

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NASA has directed the Artemis program to develop a simplified lunar spacesuit called Sortie Suit with Axiom Space. The suit is intended for initial crewed lunar landings using SpaceX and Blue Origin landers. The decision follows a program review under NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

Key Facts

NASA announced the decision at an internal meeting this week, according to Kun.uz.
The new suit is named Sortie Suit and is planned for initial crewed lunar missions.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman began reviewing the Artemis program after joining the agency in December 2025.
Collins Aerospace exited the spacesuit development program in 2024, leaving Axiom Space as the sole supplier.
Former astronaut Charlie Precourt said NASA leadership meets with Axiom Space representatives six days a week to resolve schedule and suit issues.

Suit Selection

NASA announced the decision at an internal meeting this week, according to Kun.uz. Under the direction of Artemis program manager Jeremy Parsons, the agency will develop a simplified version of the lunar spacesuit with Axiom Space. The new version is named Sortie Suit and is planned for initial crewed lunar missions. The suit is intended for use with lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Program Overhaul

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman began reviewing the Artemis program after joining the agency in December 2025. At that time, NASA faced the possibility of not returning humans to the Moon until at least 2030, raising concerns that China might land astronauts first. With congressional support, the program made several major changes, including simplifying Space Launch System production and abandoning the Gateway station in lunar orbit. NASA is also strengthening cooperation with SpaceX and Blue Origin to support their lunar lander development.

Spacesuit Development Challenges

NASA signed contracts with Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace about four years ago to develop next-generation spacesuits. Collins Aerospace exited the program in 2024, possibly due to schedule delays and financial difficulties. Axiom Space remains the sole supplier of lunar surface suits for NASA. Former astronaut Charlie Precourt, a member of NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, said agency leadership meets with Axiom Space representatives six days a week to resolve schedule and suit issues.