A new space suit designed for European astronauts, developed in collaboration with sports retailer Decathlon, will undergo testing on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
The prototype, dubbed EuroSuit, is intended for utilize during launch, re-entry, and emergency situations – known as intra-vehicular activity (IVA) – rather than spacewalks. The collaboration between ESA and Decathlon’s French national space agency CNES aims to establish European “sovereignty in human space exploration,” according to Decathlon director of advanced innovation, Sébastien Haquet. “EuroSuit embodies our ability to push the boundaries of innovation, beyond our traditional areas of expertise,” Haquet said.
French astronaut Sophie Adenot will test the suit’s manoeuvrability and functionality, including its touchscreen interface, during the ESA’s Epsilon mission. A key feature of the EuroSuit is its rapid donning time; astronauts can set it on unaided in under two minutes – a first in the space sector, intended to improve astronaut safety during emergencies.
The development of the EuroSuit comes as ESA continues to promote its brand and mission through merchandise. The ESA Space Shop offers a range of products, including a softshell jacket currently on sale for €89.00. The jacket, available in black and navy, is made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane and features the ESA logo and tagline. Sizes range from S to 3XL. ESA disclaims responsibility for the production and distribution of these products.
Other ESA-branded apparel, such as a hooded jacket, is also available through retailers like Amazon.de. A windproof bomber jacket featuring the ESA logo is currently being sold on eBay.
Future iterations of the EuroSuit are planned to include integrated communications systems and a head-up display, according to CNES. The final design is expected to be unveiled later this decade.
