• Light-weight carbon fiber components and reduced complexity of the training device leads to a solution with more training modes and 50% less weight

• The gained know-how out of this project can be used for terrestrial applications in med tech (rehab) and sports tech (gym) with an addressable market  size of approximately 500 Mio €/year.

Background and justification:

• To counteract microgravity induced effects, like loss of muscle mass and bone density, astronauts perform a daily physical exercise program on long duration missions on heavy, bulky devices.
• In contrast to these existing approaches, the novel technology set of the Elysium Space Trainer provides a light-weight multi-functional training device which enables high force levels with a large variety of training modes. It can be used for countermeasure exercises in microgravity training a wide range of muscles of astronauts. 

Achievements and status:

• The functional and technical feasibility of the Elysium Space Trainer could be proven during the project.
• The exercise efficiency is optimised through an intelligent combination of provided forces from passive spring structures, actuators in combination with human muscles. A huge variety of different training modes allows to train >90% of the human body in weightlessness.
• Due to its actuator design which combines passive resistance from carbon fiber springs with pneumatic actuation, it offers highest functional safety.
• The reduced complexity of the new space trainer concept makes it easy to use and easier to comply to aerospace standards and norms.
• Within the De-Risk phase Elysium achieved a demonstrator on TRL 6, with cheaper parts, and full functionality.

Benefits:

• The added value of this technology for the targeted application (ESA mission, commercial application, etc.).
• The main benefit of the Elysium space trainer is its high flexibility in training modes covering all main muscles of the human body with the lowest level of complexity and the lightest possible training device at the same time.