NASA to Spend $3.5 Billion to Upgrade Spacesuits

NASA has awarded Collins Aerospace and Axiom Space a project that could amount to $3.5 billion to improve spacesuit and spacewalk systems to work outside the International Space Station and explore the lunar surface.

Fox Business reports:

“The companies were chosen from the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract solicitation. While the partners will own the new spacesuits, the contract provides NASA with the ability to add on vendors that were not previously selected. Selected vendors can compete for task orders for missions “that will provide a full suite of capabilities for NASA’s spacewalking needs” during the period of performance through 2034…”

The current task order for Collins Aerospace is worth $97.2 million, and the Axiom Space order will be worth at least $228.5 million.

Fox Business adds that:

“Collins Aerospace will complete a critical design review and demonstrate use of the suit in a simulated space environment by Jan. 2024. NASA will have the option to extend the contract for a demonstration outside the space station by April 2026…” and “Axiom Space was selected to deliver a moonwalking system for the Artemis III mission.”

According to a 2021report from NASA’s Office of Inspector General, since 2007, NASA has spent roughly $420.1 million on spacesuit development and that the agency plans to spend an additional $625.2 million.