Europe is preparing for a major leap in human spaceflight innovation. The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that astronaut Sophie Adenot will test EuroSuit, a next-generation intra-vehicular activity (IVA) space suit designed by DECATHLON, during the Epsilon mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026.
This ambitious project — a collaboration between CNES, SPARTAN SPACE, MEDES, and DECATHLON — aims to redefine comfort, safety, and performance for European astronauts.
A Major Step Forward for European Human Spaceflight
The EuroSuit prototype is the first of its kind: an IVA suit that astronauts can put on or remove entirely autonomously in under two minutes. For space missions, where responsiveness is critical during launch, landing, or emergency situations, that innovation is a potential game-changer.
During her stay on the ISS, Adenot will test the suit’s performance in microgravity, assessing:
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Donning and doffing speed
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Dexterity with small tools
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Interaction with touchscreens
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Mobility and comfort in confined spaces
The data gathered will shape the fully operational EuroSuit, expected to integrate airtight sealing, fire-resistant materials, breathable atmosphere control, integrated communications, and even head-up display (HUD) interfaces.
Learn more about ESA’s work in human spaceflight via the European Space Agency.
Innovative Features Designed for Space — Inspired by Sports Science
DECATHLON’s Advanced Innovation Division has adapted its expertise in sports apparel and gear to one of the harshest environments possible: space. The result is a suit packed with technical breakthroughs:
Key Innovations
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Custom-fit lattice helmet: Tailored to the astronaut’s head and facial structure.
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Enhanced mobility: Bellows at shoulders, elbows, and knees offer greater range of motion.
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Sealed, ergonomic zippers: Airtight closures designed for ease of use in pressurised environments.
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Adjustable length: Compensates for the natural spinal elongation astronauts experience in microgravity.
“The EuroSuit embodies our ability to push the boundaries of innovation beyond our traditional fields of expertise,” said Sébastien Haquet, Head of Advanced Innovation at DECATHLON.
Discover DECATHLON’s innovation work at DECATHLON’s official site.
A Unique Collaboration Linking Industry, Medicine, Space Engineering and Sport
The EuroSuit project is powered by a multidisciplinary coalition, each bringing specialised expertise:
CNES
Oversees project coordination, ensuring alignment with Europe’s long-term human spaceflight goals.
Spartan Space
The start-up serves as prime contractor, focusing on technical architecture and life-support systems.
More on their work: Spartan Space.
MEDES / Institute of Space Medicine & Physiology
Developing an onboard biomonitoring system to track real-time physiological data during astronaut activity.
DECATHLON
Creates the ergonomics and textile architecture, translating sports-tech innovations into space-ready design.
According to Thibaut Pouget, Project Manager at Spartan Space, the team completed assembly in 2024, with implementation scheduled for 2025 and flight tests beginning in 2026–27.
A New Era for European Space Gear
As Europe seeks greater autonomy in human spaceflight, the EuroSuit represents not just a technological leap — but a cultural one. By merging the worlds of sports innovation, space medicine, engineering, and astronautics, the project signals a broader future where consumer tech and space exploration evolve hand in hand.
