Essity’s JOBST® compression garments support NASA's Artemis II mission
Essity's medical solutions contribute to human performance in one of the world's most demanding environments
Essity, a global leader in hygiene and health, today highlights the role of JOBST®, part of its Health & Medical portfolio, in supporting astronauts with compression garments during NASA's Artemis II mission. The mission marked the first crewed flight of NASA's Artemis program and an important step toward future lunar exploration.
Essity was awarded a contract by NASA to develop and provide JOBST® compression garments, known as orthostatic intolerance garments (OIGs). Worn beneath the Orion Crew Survival System suit, the custom-made garments are designed to support astronauts during spaceflight and upon return to Earth by helping maintain healthy blood flow and reducing dizziness or fainting.
In microgravity environments, the human body experiences fluid shifts that can affect blood circulation comfort and overall physical performance. Before the spacecraft re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts wear the garments to help manage these physiological changes and support healthy blood flow as their bodies prepare for the return to Earth’s gravity.
The JOBST’s garments are hand-sewn at Essity’s manufacturing facility in Hickory, North Carolina, USA.
“The fact that NASA chose JOBST says a lot about Essity’s know-how and the quality of the work our team does. What makes us proud is that the same compression expertise helping astronauts return safely to Earth is supporting people with chronic conditions every day,” said Anand Chandarana, President Health and Medical at Essity.
The collaboration with NASA reflects Essity’s long-standing expertise in developing compression solutions that help people perform at their best in a wide range of environments. From supporting individuals living with lymphedema and venous disease to contributing to the needs of astronauts, the brand continues to demonstrate the value of precision compression therapy.
"At Essity, we combine scientific expertise, innovation and cross-functional collaboration to develop trusted health and medical solutions," said Isabelle Barber, VP Global Marketing & R&D Medical. "We are proud that JOBST could play a small part in supporting the Artemis II mission and its goal of expanding the boundaries of human exploration."
Artemis II was the first crewed mission of NASA's Artemis program and is intended to pave the way for future lunar exploration missions. The mission carried astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
Photo credit: Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch exits the Orion spacecraft mock-up in Houston, Texas. The crew practiced getting the Orion spacecraft configured once in orbit, how to make it habitable, and suited up in their entry pressure suits to prepare for their return from the Moon. Credit: NASA/Mark Sowa