KBR and Axiom Space Successfully Test Next-Generation Spacesuit in Critical Step Toward Returning to the Moon

Rhea-AI Summary

KBR (NYSE: KBR) and Axiom Space completed the first uncrewed thermal vacuum test of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) pressure garment on Nov. 20, 2025, simulating vacuum and extreme temperatures to evaluate thermal performance and advanced materials for Artemis III.

The teams completed the first dual-suit run at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, finished final integration testing in the NBL, achieved over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time, and conducted the thermal vacuum test at KBR’s Aerospace Environment Protection Laboratory in San Antonio.

The AxEMU is in the critical design phase and is moving toward the suit qualification phase with NASA; additional qualification tests are planned.

Positive

• Completed first uncrewed thermal vacuum test
• Achieved over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time
• Completed first dual-suit run at NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
• Thermal vacuum test executed at historic AEPL facility

Negative

• AxEMU remains in critical design phase
• Suit qualification with NASA is pending and not completed
• First test was uncrewed; crewed lunar performance not yet verified

Insights

Space systems engineer

Successful uncrewed thermal vacuum test advances the AxEMU toward qualification for Artemis III.

The KBR and Axiom Space teams completed the first uncrewed thermal vacuum evaluation of the AxEMU pressure garment on Nov. 20, 2025, exercising thermal performance and new materials under vacuum and extreme temperatures. The program has also logged the first dual-suit Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory run, final NBL integration work, and over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time, while the suit remains in the critical design phase.

This test produces direct engineering data to inform suit durability and thermal protection for lunar surface operations, including two-hour excursions in permanently shadowed regions. Remaining dependencies include formal qualification testing, NASA acceptance, and completion of the full test series that leads to suit certification. Watch for subsequent qualification milestones and NASA integration signoffs ahead of Artemis III; these items define readiness on a program timeline measured in months to years.

HOUSTON, Nov. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) and Axiom Space successfully completed the first uncrewed thermal vacuum test of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) Pressure Garment, which is designed to support astronauts during the Artemis III mission – the first crewed lunar landing in more than 50 years. The test simulated the vacuum and extreme temperatures of space to evaluate the spacesuit’s thermal performance and advanced materials.

This milestone marks a critical next step in collecting data on how the suit will endure the harsh environment on the moon during the Artemis III mission. It is the first in a series of increasingly complex tests as Axiom Space moves toward the suit qualification phase with NASA. The KBR and Axiom Space team has completed the first dual-suit run at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), is completing the final integration testing in the NBL and has achieved over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time in the spacesuit. The AxEMU is currently in the critical design phase.

“KBR is proud to partner with Axiom Space on this major milestone in preparing for humanity’s return to the moon,” said Mark Kavanaugh, KBR’s President, Defense, Intel and Space. “This achievement reflects KBR’s position as a leader in human spaceflight innovation and our ability to deliver mission-critical solutions that advance NASA’s Artemis program. Our expertise and collaboration with Axiom Space continue to strengthen KBR’s role in enabling the future of human exploration beyond Earth.”

The test was conducted inside the thermal vacuum chamber at KBR’s Aerospace Environment Protection Laboratory (AEPL) in San Antonio, Texas. The KBR and Axiom Space teams worked side by side to enable this integral test from concept to execution in less than one month.

From a historical perspective, it was the first time the AxEMU spacesuit was tested at AEPL – the same facility where Apollo astronauts trained for their historic moon landings. For more than 60 years, this facility has been used by the aerospace community, including during the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions and in support of the Blue Angels and commercial spaceflight crews.

“This successful test produced data to inform the AxEMU’s performance and readiness for operational use on the lunar surface,” said Russell Ralston, Axiom Space general manager of extravehicular activity. “It was important to evaluate the thermal performance of the new materials we’ve incorporated into the suit design and to see how the suit’s advanced protection will enable astronauts to work at the lunar south pole and in the permanently shadowed regions for at least two hours.”

KBR’s role in this achievement is part of the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract, which supports development of the next-generation spacesuit. The suit is designed to be more versatile, reliable and adaptable to the evolving needs of space exploration, including future missions to the moon and beyond. Testing is critical to validating the suit's performance and confirming its readiness for operational use.

Together, KBR and Axiom Space continue to support the next era of human space exploration, helping astronauts train, suit up and safely carry out missions in space.

About KBR
We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 29 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding including statements related to the development and performance of the AxEMU and the company’s future role in supporting space exploration programs, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

For further information, please contact:

Investors
Jamie DuBray
Vice President, Investor Relations
713-753-5082
Investors@kbr.com

Media
Philip Ivy
Vice President, Global Communications and Marketing
713-753-3800
MediaRelations@kbr.com

FAQ

What did KBR (KBR) and Axiom Space test on Nov. 20, 2025?

They completed the first uncrewed thermal vacuum test of the AxEMU pressure garment to evaluate thermal performance and materials for Artemis III.

Where was the AxEMU thermal vacuum test conducted for KBR (KBR)?

The test was conducted at KBR’s Aerospace Environment Protection Laboratory (AEPL) in San Antonio, Texas.

How much crewed pressurized time has the AxEMU achieved for KBR (KBR)?

The teams have achieved over 700 hours of crewed pressurized time in the spacesuit.

Is the AxEMU spacesuit fully qualified for Artemis III flight?

No; the AxEMU is in the critical design phase and is moving toward the suit qualification phase with NASA, with qualification still pending.

What program supports KBR’s role in the AxEMU development (KBR)?

KBR’s work on the suit is part of the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS) contract supporting next-generation spacesuit development.