Space Device Pioneers Muscle Research for Astronauts
Having recently participated in zero-gravity testing with the European Space Agency, Myoton - designed by an acrobat who in the 1960s became concerned with how many men tore their tendons - is so far Estonia's most successful technological contribution to space research.
The producer of a miniature device that measures muscle reactions with electrical signals, Myoton may prove helpful to astronauts, whose muscles get weaker during long periods in weightless environments.
The innovative device has sparked interest, and last month Myoton developers lifted off from a Bordeaux airfield to test their technology in reduced-gravity airplane flights.
Three days and 90 flights of testing amounted to 90,000 euros per person per flight, according to unconfirmed information, that came out of the budget of the European Space Agency. Experiments were successful, according to Myoton.
Enterprise Estonia, which represents European Space Agency in Estonia, and has injected some 250,000 euros into Myoton, currently funds another 12 companies that deal with space technology.
Ott Tammik