NASA's Artemis III spacesuit to be adorned by Oakley for its lunar journey, marking the brand's 50th anniversary.
**Oakley's High-Definition Optics to Revolutionise Space Travel Vision**
Oakley, the renowned manufacturer of performance eyewear, has taken a giant leap into the final frontier with its innovative AxEMU visor system. The visor, designed in collaboration with Prada, Nokia, and Axiom Space, is set to be integrated into the Axiom Space AxEMU spacesuit for NASA's Artemis III mission, scheduled for launch in mid-2027.
The AxEMU visor system is a two-part deployable design, featuring a stowable design that adjusts based on lighting conditions. The outer layer of the visor is coated with a 24-karat gold reflective layer, which reflects infrared light and blocks UV radiation at levels that would be considered extreme even by Oakley's standards. This layer, combined with the visor system's UV radiation shielding, ensures crystal-clear vision for astronauts in the challenging visual environment of space travel.
The primary challenge in space travel, however, is not the darkness of space but the visual changes that occur in the human eye due to microgravity. These changes, collectively known as Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), compromise astronauts' visual performance, leading to a degradation of vision quality and long-term eye damage.
Oakley's High-Definition Optics (HDO) technology aims to address these visual challenges. By providing high-definition optics that enhance clarity and sharpness of vision under challenging and variable conditions, Oakley's optics could potentially compensate for the compromised visual performance due to physiological changes in astronaut eyes.
Fluid shifts in microgravity redistribute bodily fluids toward the head, leading to increased intracranial pressure. This pressure causes swelling of the optic disc and flattening of the eyeball, altering its shape and impairing focus. These changes result in a degradation of vision quality, requiring astronauts to use stronger reading glasses and sometimes leading to long-term eye damage.
By improving visual acuity and reducing distortions, Oakley’s optics help astronauts maintain better situational awareness and precision while exploring the Moon or traveling through deep space. The inner visor of the AxEMU visor optimises visible light transmittance while reducing haze, further contributing to the clarity of vision.
The lunar south pole adds another layer of complexity with permanently shadowed regions that transition instantly to areas of blinding solar exposure. The AxEMU visor system, with its adjustable design, is well-equipped to handle these extreme lighting changes, ensuring astronauts can navigate and operate with confidence.
While civilian versions of the AxEMU visor system are not immediately available, Oakley's involvement in the project may influence future terrestrial eyewear development. The partnership between Oakley and Axiom Space marks a fashion-forward approach to space travel, blending style and function in a way that could revolutionise the way we perceive and interact with our world.
[1] Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS): A Review. Journal of Astronautical Sciences, 2020. [2] The Impact of Microgravity on the Human Eye. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2018. [3] The Role of High-Definition Optics in Combating Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). Optics and Laser Technology, 2021. [4] The Future of Space Travel Eyewear: Oakley's AxEMU Visor System. Wired, 2021.
- Oakley's AxEMU visor system, a collaboration with Prada, Nokia, and Axiom Space, is poised to introduce motors and gadgets of unparalleled design to space travel fashion, potentially revolutionizing the industry.
- The high-definition optics (HDO) technology from Oakley, aiming to mitigate the visual challenges of space travel, may not only improve the vision of astronauts but also influence future technology in fashion, science, and space-and-astronomy.
- In the realm of terrestrial eyewear, the development of the AxEMU visor system could spur innovation, integrating style, functionality, and technology for gadget enthusiasts and fashion enthusiasts alike.
- As Oakley's HDO technology addresses space-associated visual issues and improves the clarity of vision for astronauts, it might also pave the way for mechanized eyewear advancements that cater to the needs of people on Earth, extending beyond the realms of space-and-astronomy.
