NASA's Artemis III lunar expedition to mark its 50th anniversary will involve Oakley, as the company supplies its advanced technology for the spacesuit.
In a groundbreaking partnership, eyewear giant Oakley and space exploration company Axiom Space have joined forces to develop the AxEMU visor system for the upcoming NASA Artemis III mission. This collaboration, which extends beyond visors, also includes Prada and Nokia in providing the suit's outer materials and cellular network capabilities.
The AxEMU visor system, a next-generation High-Definition Optics (HDO) technology, is designed as a two-part deployable visor with a stowable design. This innovative system is set to address several critical visual challenges of space and Moon travel, particularly those posed by the lunar environment and the space setting.
One of the most significant challenges astronauts face on the Moon's surface is extreme lighting conditions. The visor's gold coating with high reflectivity helps shield astronauts from these extreme light conditions, including harmful solar radiation and infrared light, enhancing visibility even in the most dazzling or harsh brightness.
Radiation protection is another crucial aspect of the visor system. It blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other harmful radiations using a multilayer coating approach, including a secondary helmet bubble that provides additional UV protection, critical to avoid vision impairment and maintain astronaut safety during extravehicular activities.
The visor system also reduces haze and optimizes clarity through advanced optical coatings, allowing astronauts to see more clearly despite the visually challenging environment of space and the Moon's surface. Moreover, Oakley's expertise in extreme sports eyewear, including scratch-resistant coatings, is well-suited for protecting against lunar dust and micrometeorites.
Durability against lunar dust is another key feature of the AxEMU visor. As lunar dust is abrasive and can scratch visors, Oakley has incorporated scratch-resistant coatings and dust repellant multilayer coatings to maintain clear visibility and protect the optics from dust damage, which is essential for mission success and astronaut safety.
The visor is designed as a two-part deployable system that can slide and stow seamlessly, allowing astronauts to adjust protection levels based on changing light conditions on the Moon — from starlight to direct sunlight. This adaptability and adjustability are crucial for exploring the lunar south pole during NASA’s Artemis III mission, where both darkness and intense sunlight zones exist in close proximity.
In summary, Oakley’s AxEMU visor system integrates 50 years of their elite sports optical innovation to bring unparalleled clarity, protection, and adaptability to the lunar visual environment, where light behaves unusually and hazards such as extreme solar radiation and abrasive dust threaten astronauts’ vision. This partnership is a testament to finding solutions from unexpected places, even in the realm of extreme space exploration.
While civilian versions of the AxEMU visor system aren't immediately available, Oakley's involvement in the project is expected to influence their terrestrial eyewear development for years to come.
- The collaborative effort between Oakley and Axiom Space in the AxEMU visor system extends beyond space exploration, as the visor's design incorporates elements of style and technology, resembling high-end fashion pieces found in brands like Prada.
- With the integration ofadvanced optical coatings and scratch-resistant materials, the AxEMU visor system not only addresses the challenges of space and lunar travel but also demonstrates Oakley's expertise in motorsport and extreme sports eyewear.
- As technology continues to advance in the realm of space and astronomy, it is expected that innovations from projects like the AxEMU visor system will seep into other industries, such as watches, blurring the lines between scientific breakthroughs and everyday fashion trends.
