In a significant milestone for the upcoming Artemis 3 moon-landing mission, two astronauts donned new spacesuits from Axiom Space and tested a mock version of the SpaceX Starship, the Human Landing System (HLS) selected by NASA to ferry astronauts to and from the moon. The three-hour test, conducted in late April at SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, California, was the first of its kind since the Apollo era and provided crucial feedback on the integration of the spacesuits with the Starship HLS.
The test involved two astronauts, Peggy Whitson from Axiom Space and Doug Wheelock from NASA, who wore the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuits. This exercise allowed scientists and engineers to assess the layout, physical design, and clearances of the HLS, as well as the functionality of the spacesuits in a simulated lunar environment. According to NASA, the test confirmed the adequacy of space in the airlock, on the deck, and in the elevator for the astronauts' planned activities.
Key Test Highlights:
1. Spacesuit Flexibility and Usability:
The astronauts evaluated the flexibility of the Axiom spacesuits and their ease of use, particularly the ability to get in and out of the suits with minimal assistance. The suits, equipped with a full-scale "backpack" model of the portable life support system, were tested for their compatibility with the Starship's airlock and control panels.
2. Control Panel Operations:
During the test, the astronauts interacted with the control panel inside the airlock, ensuring that the controls were within reach and operable while wearing gloves. This step was crucial to validate that astronauts could perform necessary tasks efficiently and safely during the mission.
3. Elevator Functionality:
The test also included practicing with a test elevator, designed to transport astronauts and their equipment from the Starship deck to the moon's surface. Ensuring the elevator's functionality and safety was a key component of the test, as it will be a critical part of the moonwalks during the Artemis missions.
The integrated test marks a significant step forward in the Artemis program, aimed at landing humans on the moon for the first time since 1972. The successful evaluation of the Axiom spacesuits and SpaceX Starship HLS highlights the progress being made in developing the technology and systems necessary for the mission.
Axiom Space and NASA are now moving beyond the preliminary design review phase and will enter the critical design review phase later this year. Additionally, Axiom plans to conduct further tests, including a water test in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, to simulate the lunar environment.
Meanwhile, SpaceX continues to advance the development of the Starship, aiming for full reusability to make lunar and Mars missions economically feasible. Despite a recent delay pushing the expected moon landing to September 2026, NASA remains committed to launching the Artemis 3 mission safely and effectively.
With continued collaboration and rigorous testing, NASA and its partners are on track to achieve humanity's return to the moon, paving the way for future exploration and scientific discovery.
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