NASA’s Artemis II mission made history in April 2026 by taking astronauts on the first crewed journey around the Moon in more than 50 years. The 10-day mission ended with the crew returning to Earth on 10 April. The journey may also have brought international attention to Bangladesh’s garment industry.
Exporters in Bangladesh claim that the Stryke trousers worn by the astronauts during their lunar journey were manufactured at Ananta Garments, a factory in Ashulia, near Dhaka. However, the claim has not been independently verified.
The trousers are associated with US clothing brand 5.11 Tactical. According to Ananta Garments’ management, the factory exports the same product to the brand through a Hong Kong-based intermediary. Although 5.11 Inc has not confirmed whether the astronauts’ trousers were made in Bangladesh, US retailer Grainger lists Bangladesh as the country of origin for the Stryke pants in its online product information.
Ridwan Zahir Khan, director of Ananta Companies Limited, told The Business Standard that the company had examined available information and concluded that the trousers worn by the astronauts were exported from its factory.
He said Ananta had shipped products to 5.11 Tactical through an agency in two consignments in November and December 2025. Seeing the brand’s Stryke cargo pants, style #74369, in footage of the Artemis II mission reportedly generated excitement among employees at the company’s head office and factory.
Khan said the factory’s workers produce the trousers daily, paying attention to details such as pockets, reinforced stitching and finishing. He described the possibility of the product travelling around the Moon as a source of pride, highlighting Bangladesh’s skilled workforce and manufacturing capabilities.
According to Ananta Companies, its teams have worked on the Stryke programme since 2021, while Ananta Garments has been the recorded manufacturer of the style since 2023. Production remains ongoing as of October 2026. The company said it has manufactured 460,681 pairs of Stryke trousers over the years.
Factory officials said the same style is produced in Bangladesh and Vietnam. They claimed that the Vietnamese-made versions are exclusively for women, while Ananta Garments manufactures the men's version. Based on this distinction, they believe the trousers worn by the astronauts came from their factory.
The Stryke pants reportedly retail for $95 on 5.11 Tactical’s website. However, Ananta’s management declined to disclose the export price. The Business Standard contacted the company by email but had not received an immediate response.
The development follows another claim last week involving a navy-blue coat worn by US President Donald Trump. Management at another Ananta Group factory said the garment had been produced at its facility.
Industry leaders say Bangladesh is moving beyond its traditional reputation for producing basic, low-cost clothing. Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, said medium- and high-value products now account for a larger share of the country's garment exports. Their share has reportedly increased from around 10% five years ago to approximately 20%.
He added that some suits and party dresses manufactured in Bangladesh are exported at retail prices of $300 or more, reflecting the industry's growing focus on higher-value products.
