Curious about the Decathlon space suit everyone is Googling? See what exists, what does not, how much real suits cost, and the smart gear to buy today.
Decathlon space suit buzz explained
Typed “Decathlon space suit” and fell into a rabbit hole of photos and bold claims. The topic explodes because it mixes a beloved retailer with the most extreme gear on Earth. It sounds almost too good to be true, which is exactly why it spreads fast.
Here is the context that matters. Real spacesuits are complex life support systems, regulated, certified and built for vacuum, radiation and micrometeoroids. They are not just insulated jumpsuits. They are more like personal spacecraft. That single fact puts the rumor in perspective and sets the stage for a clean answer.
What real spacesuits cost and who builds them
So, is there a Decathlon spacesuit to buy today. No certified suit for spacewalks or flight operations exists in the retailer’s catalog, and no official launch has been announced as of 2025. The companies actually building operational suits are NASA partners such as Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace.
Numbers help. NASA awarded the Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services contract in June 2022 to Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace, with a potential value up to 3.5 billion US dollars through 2034, according to NASA announcements. Axiom Space then revealed its Artemis era prototype, the AxEMU, in March 2023 at Space Center Houston. A NASA Office of Inspector General audit published in August 2021 reported that NASA had already spent 420 million US dollars on new suit work since 2007 and expected total development to exceed 1 billion before a first lunar demonstration. These figures frame the reality behind a supposedly simple shopping query.
There is also an important distinction. SpaceX flight suits, the sleek ones seen during Crew Dragon missions since the crewed Demo 2 launch on 30 May 2020, are in vehicle suits designed for inside a pressurized cabin, not for spacewalks. That difference explains why consumer gear cannot just borrow the label and call it a day.
ESA Skinsuit, zero g training and what people mix up
Part of the confusion comes from real space related garments that are not EVA suits yet look striking. The European Space Agency tested the Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit on orbit to tackle back pain and spinal elongation. ESA highlighted in 2016 that astronauts can grow by 2 to 3 centimeters in microgravity, and the Skinsuit applies axial loading to simulate gravity, with reported loading levels up to roughly 80 percent of bodyweight depending on fit and size.
Images of that suit, plus photos from parabolic flights and analog missions, often circulate next to outdoor or sailing outfits that mimic the silhouette. Then the internet connects dots that should not be connected. Retail sportswear can be technical, warm and waterproof. It does not replace a pressure garment with life support, communications, and micrometeoroid protection. Not the same job, not the same engineering.
Space look on a street budget: gear that works now
Now to the practical part, because the search usually hides a very down to Earth need. People want protection from cold and wet conditions, freedom to move, a visor that does not fog, and a futuristic vibe. That is achievable with existing sport equipement while staying honest about capabilities.
- Layering for insulation : thermal base layers, breathable mid layers, and a waterproof outer shell with taped seams
- Waterproof drysuit for sailing or kayaking : neck and wrist gaskets, integrated socks, and a relief zipper for long days
- Snow and ice accessories : balaclava, double lens goggles with anti fog treatment, and insulated gloves with grip
- Urban helmet and visor combos : cycling or skating helmets with full face visors for wind and spray protection
- Technical footwear : waterproof boots with gusseted tongue and aggressive outsole for slick ground
Why this works. These pieces deliver real performance where most readers live, from winter commutes to night shoots on a windy ridge. They also echo the astronaut style that keeps trending on social feeds. Meanwhile, the uncompromising parts of a true spacesuit remain the realm of agencies and their contractors, by design and by law.
If a retailer ever offers a certified suit for orbit or lunar walks, you will not miss it. It would arrive with explicit certification, agency partnerships stated in writing, and precise specifications. Until then, follow the hard data already public. NASA’s 2022 contract framework outlines who supplies suits for missions. The 2021 inspector general report explains why costs are high. ESA’s Skinsuit notes show how research garments support health in microgravity. Clear signals, clear dates, clear numbers. The rest is noise and a very stylish daydream.