NBL) is a critical component of the agency's astronaut training

NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is a critical component of the agency's astronaut training and spacesuit development programs. Located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the NBL is a large indoor pool that simulates the microgravity environment of space. By submerging astronauts and equipment in water, NASA is able to mimic the weightlessness experienced on the Moon or in orbit.

The underwater testing of Axiom Space's lunar spacesuit is a significant milestone for the company and for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the lunar surface by 2024. Axiom Space is one of several commercial entities working with NASA to develop new spacesuit technologies capable of withstanding the harsh lunar environment and supporting extended human exploration missions.

The spacesuit, which is being developed for both NASA and commercial use, is designed to be versatile, reliable, and comfortable for a variety of tasks that astronauts might undertake on the Moon. Underwater testing allows engineers to evaluate the suit's mobility, fit, and functionality in a controlled setting that closely approximates the challenges of lunar gravity, which is about one-sixth that of Earth's.

The test subjects, known as 'suit testers,' perform a range of activities while wearing the spacesuit, such as walking, bending, and using tools. These evaluations help identify any issues that might arise during actual lunar missions, ensuring that the final design meets the stringent requirements for spacewalks and other extravehicular activities (EVAs) on the Moon.

This collaborative effort between NASA and Axiom Space exemplifies the growing public-private partnership in space exploration. As NASA looks to return humans to the Moon and eventually Mars, it is relying on innovations from the private sector to drive down costs and enhance capabilities. The successful testing of the Axiom spacesuit in the NBL is a step forward in realizing these ambitious goals and expanding human presence beyond low Earth orbit.