Axiom Space has partnered with Oakley, the high-end sunglasses designer, to develop a unique visor for its upcoming lunar expedition suit. The AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) spacesuit is designed for NASA’s Artemis 3 mission, set to launch in mid-2027.
The visor features Oakley’s “next-gen High-Definition Optics” technology, which will provide astronauts with high-clarity vision during extravehicular activities (EVAs). The system includes a deployable, two-part visor for harsher lighting conditions and a secondary helmet bubble coated with 24-karat gold to shield the user from UV radiation and dust.
Gold’s natural properties help filter out harmful sunlight, making it an ideal material for the Moon’s surface. Oakley has experience in optical systems in dirty environments, which will aid in mitigating lunar dust issues.
Axiom Space received a $228.5 million contract from NASA to build the AxEMU suit and later added a modification contract to enable operation in low Earth orbit. The company has been testing the suit at NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
The partnership with Oakley marks a historic milestone for Axiom Space, representing decades of innovation and commitment to space exploration. By bringing together traditionally non-aerospace industries, Axiom aims to advance space technology and create new opportunities.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/07/12/axiom-space-oakley-partner-on-spacesuit-visor-for-artemis-missions