The EuroSuit is a next-generation intra-vehicular space suit co-developed with Decathlon and due to be tested in microgravity by ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot in 2026. Olivia Palamountain reports

Europe is preparing to test a new space suit on the International Space Station next year, marking an unusual collaboration between aerospace engineers, medical researchers and sportswear designers.

The EuroSuit, created by CNES, Spartan Space, MEDES and Decathlon, has been built to improve astronaut safety and comfort during launch and landing. Its first real test will take place during the Epsilon mission, when ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot wears it in orbit and assesses how it performs in microgravity.

What makes the EuroSuit distinctive is its focus on speed, simplicity and fit. Astronauts will be able to put it on or take it off in under two minutes, which is critical during emergencies when every second matters. Much of this practicality comes from innovations usually seen far outside the space industry. Decathlon’s Advanced Innovation division has shaped the suit’s textile design, adapting techniques used in high-performance sports to create flexible joints and breathable layers that remain comfortable during long periods inside the spacecraft.  Adenot’s onboard tests will focus on whether the suit supports natural movement. She will handle small tools, interact with the station’s touchscreen tablets and try manoeuvring in narrow modules. The helmet has been designed with a lattice structure that can be customised to match the astronaut’s head shape, while the suit’s shoulders, elbows and knees include engineered bellows that expand and contract without restricting motion. Air-tight zippers with ergonomic pullers make the suit easier to secure, even in microgravity.

Behind the scenes, each partner brings a distinct expertise. CNES directs the project and ensures compliance with European spaceflight standards. Spartan Space leads the technical architecture and the integrated life support features. MEDES contributes a new biomonitoring system that tracks the astronaut’s physiological responses in real time. Decathlon provides the materials knowledge needed to keep the suit lightweight, flexible and durable. Together, they illustrate how cross-industry partnerships can accelerate progress in human spaceflight.

Once tested in orbit, the EuroSuit prototype will inform the next stage of development, which includes air-tight sealing, enhanced fire resistance, integrated communications and head-up display systems. For Europe, this marks a step toward greater autonomy in astronaut equipment, with a suit designed not just for safety but also for comfort and usability during the most demanding phases of a mission.

Adenot’s evaluation will also be the first time a Decathlon-designed prototype has flown to the International Space Station, turning a brand known for cycling shorts and hiking jackets into a contributor to Europe’s space ambitions. It signals a shift in how specialist protective gear is designed, blending the precision of aerospace with the everyday practicality of sports innovation.