Prada has been asked to help design the suits for the upcoming Artemis III mission. I’m sure there’s some good reason for this, but it’s not obvious. It does seem to be good for publicity and set-ups for jokes.
Since she starred in both The Devil Wears Prada and Interstellar, maybe they could get Anne Hathaway as spokesperson.
I’ll look forward to inexpensive knockoff space suits showing up in TJ Maxx next year.
Maybe someone feels the old-reliable “just cover the actual engineered EVA suit with a lumpy white layer” look comes across as last-century dorky?
While they’re at it they may take a look at the flightsuits, too. That’s an area that could use some space style, as do the polos and cargo shorts in the ISS.
Just no metallized jumpsuits, of course…
Doing better than Hugo Boss’s venture into state sponsored fashion…
Actually, I think it is fairly obvious. This is a designer who, to use a hackneyed but accurate phrase, thinks outside the box. Her clothing isn’t just beautiful. Much of it is practical. Someone who is accustomed to how people think and move and how their clothing needs to accommodate that is important. NASA can supply all the information needed regarding materials, wiring, breathing ability, etc. But NASA is not likely to know nearly as well as Prada on how to accommodate the human body’s functions with their needs. I think it is a smart collaboration.
Either NPR or the BBC World Service had this story this morning, as part of a larger story on NASA trying to expand on partnerships with commercial companies. The reporter said that Prada had some experience working with composite fabrics, as would be required for NASA space suits.
Found it! From the BBC: Prada to design Nasa's new Moon suit - BBC News
Remember that the space suit worn by Neil Armstrong when he stepped onto the Moon was made by Playtex, the bra manufacturer. So working with a clothing designer isn’t that much of a change.