Sports brand Under Armour is Exclusive Technical Spacewear partner of Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic Partners with Under Armour to Unveil the World’s First Exclusive Spacewear System for Private Astronauts as Virgin heads toward commercial operations in 2020.

Virgin Galactic CEO Richard Branson and models showing the full range of Spacewear system 

collaboratively designed with sportswear brand Under Armour.

The new spacewear system follows this mantra, informing fabric choice, structure and fit.  Temperature management, for example, is regulated by performance fibers and knit density, mapped to the body to provide perfect warmth and moisture management, while preventing overheating or chilling. 

Photo from Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic photo.

Virgin Galactic and Under Armour unveiled the collaboratively designed Spacewear system in New York two weeks ago for Virgin Galactic astronauts, comprising a base layer, spacesuit, footwear, training suit and Limited Edition astronaut jacket.  It is the first such collection ever created specifically for private astronauts.

As every element of the Virgin Galactic customer journey is designed to enrich the profound and transformative qualities of the human spaceflight experience, according to the CEOs of both companies, the design of astronaut apparel requires a unique combination of comfort and utility matched by the ultimate focus on unique, life-changing customer experience. 

“Virgin Galactic gave us an exciting challenge to build the world’s first commercial spacesuit,” said Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour. “Innovation is at the core of everything we do and our team delivered a unique twist on the classic spacesuit utilizing both existing and new UA technologies to define space gear for the future.  It is an incredible opportunity to showcase our key performance innovations in space at the highest level and continue to push the limits of human performance.”

From the initial brief through to final fabrication, the suit design concepts were defined through inputs from a wide variety of experts, including doctors, astronaut trainers, pilots, apparel and footwear designers, engineers and Future Astronaut customers, to fully understand and address all requirements.   

Safety is Virgin Galactic’s North Star and underlined the choice of materials and other key design considerations. Richard Branson said: “Spacesuits are a part of the iconography of the first space age; our visual impressions of human spaceflight and what astronauts wear are inextricably linked. Requirements for astronaut spacewear as we enter the second space age are evolving, but the design challenge has not diminished. We were delighted when Kevin and Under Armour stepped up to this task and they have surpassed our expectations. I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space.”

Virgin Galactic Unveils Under Armour As Exclusive Partner To Create Next Generation Spacewear and Astronaut Performance Programme

Richard Branson needs no introduction and the American sportswear brand Under Armour has global clout too.   So if Virgin Galactic makes announcement about its collaboration with Under Armour, we take notice.

These two well-known brands are collaborating as partners to create a next generation of technical spacewear and astronaut performance programmes.

Richard Branson and founder of Under Armour, Kevin Plank. Image: Virgin Galactic.

This collaboration brings together Virgin Galactic’s mission to make commercial space travel a reality, with Under Armour’s expertise in technical apparel and footwear,  ensuring that astronaut customers and staff are fully equipped to maximise personal performance in a new age of space exploration, according to  Virgin Galactic's released statement.

The Baltimore-based brand, famed for performance through technical innovation, is designing and fabricating space suits for Virgin Galactic passengers and pilots, representing a unique commission that demanded personal performance enhancement through a complex blend of safety, utility, comfort and style.

Virgin Galactic Unveils Under Armour
as Exclusive Technical Spacewear Partner.
Image: Virgin Galactic

The partnership will also see Under Armour create uniforms for Virgin Galactic’s world-class team at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Whether engineers, astronaut trainers and hosts, or mission control operatives, each member of the Virgin Galactic team will be wearing Under Armour apparel specifically chosen to enhance performance and to provide a tangible sense of shared purpose.

As Under Armour crafts the Virgin Galactic collection, it draws inspiration from its strong heritage of innovative performance solutions for some of the world’s top athletes. Under Armour will mimic the holistic approach it takes with those individuals and in addition to apparel will design programs for astronaut physical preparation and recovery with a focus on enhancing mobility, strength, fitness, nutrition, and sleep.

Virgin Galactic's Third Powered Flight on July 26th 2018 - Flight B-Roll
Image: Virgin Galactic

Flying to space will be a profound experience for Virgin Galactic astronauts. After a thrilling high acceleration, rocket-powered, vertical ascent in SpaceShipTwo at more than three times the speed of sound, passengers will be able to leave their seats and experience the freedom of weightlessness while marvelling at spectacular, life changing views of planet Earth from the black sky of space. The custom-fitted Under Armour spacesuits will inspire confidence through comfort and practicality without compromising the natural desire of every Virgin Galactic astronaut both to feel good and look good during this unparalleled life experience.

The full range of apparel and footwear is set to be revealed later this year, ahead of Richard Branson’s inaugural commercial flight.

Commenting on the Under Armour partnership, Richard Branson said: “I have followed Under Armour’s progress through a personal friendship with its CEO, Kevin Plank and via the great relationships it has established over the years with various Virgin companies. I’ve loved its determination to push technical boundaries in order to improve performance, so could not have been more pleased when Kevin and his talented teams stepped up to the considerable task of creating a range of space apparel and performance programs for Virgin Galactic. Our partnership is built on the firm foundations of shared values and it will be an absolute privilege to wear an Under Armour astronaut space suit on Virgin Galactic’s inaugural commercial space flight.”

Kevin Plank, CEO, Under Armour said, “Working with Sir Richard and Virgin Galactic is an opportunity of a lifetime, one that has the entire Under Armour team across the world excited. This is a great opportunity to test our innovation at the highest level and continue to push the limits of human performance.”