A Danish company is set to develop exercise equipment for the Lunar Gateway space station, scheduled to orbit the Moon around 2028. Danish Aerospace Company (DAC), based in Odense, has secured a contract to build a prototype of the equipment.

The contract is valued at DKK 4.3 million and requires DAC to deliver the prototype within six months. The development of such equipment is considered crucial for space missions due to the adverse effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body.

Astronauts experience weakening of bones, muscles, and circulation during extended stays in space because their bodies are not subjected to the same stresses as on Earth. To counteract these effects, astronauts typically need to exercise for about two hours daily to maintain their physical fitness.

DAC has a proven track record in producing exercise equipment for space, having previously supplied similar equipment to both the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Their equipment has been utilized on the International Space Station (ISS) and the American space shuttles.

This particular project presents unique challenges, as the equipment must be designed for manned missions to Mars as well. According to DAC CEO Thomas A. E. Andersen, the equipment needs to be more reliable than previous versions to withstand the longer journey home and the higher levels of background radiation further from Earth.

Another factor is the limited space available in the residential module of the Lunar Gateway, which is smaller than those on the ISS. DAC will need to explore innovative solutions to accommodate the equipment within the constrained environment.