Virgin Galactic and the Italian apparel brand Spacewear are in discussions to develop clothing for future astronauts and space tourists.
According to Reuters, this collaboration is one step closer to Virgin Galactic’s vision of commercialized space tours. The agreement has not yet been finalized, but if it closes, production could begin sometime in 2025.
Founded by Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic seeks to be one of the first commercial space tourism companies. These flights will allow future tourists to view the curvature of Earth from space. While the technology is still far from average commercial use, this collaboration brings the company closer to realizing its promise.
“We’re made up of hundreds of dedicated and passionate professionals all working towards the same mission – to be the Spaceline for Earth. We believe we can inspire future generations and make it possible to experience our planet from a different perspective,” read Virgin Galactic’s summary.
“With Virgin Galactic we will make innovative, performing suits to be worn during training by those who will fly with Virgin Galactic,” said Spacewear’s Corinna Sperandini to Reuters.
This is not the first time Spacewear has produced clothing for space travel. Previously, Spacewear created the spacesuits for the first Italian suborbital mission and the first European-only commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station, which cost around $274,150.
Spacewear isn’t the only fashion brand making strides in the space industry. Recently, global fashion brand Prada announced a collaboration with Texas-based Axiom Space. Prada is set to design the lunar spacesuits for NASA’s planned Artemis III mission in 2025.
With Spacewear entering the commercial side of space travel, it will likely be one of the few brands that commercial space tourists will wear in the future. More information on Spacewear and Virgin Galactic’s collaboration is expected in the coming months.
