2004
Space milestones
Kayser studies “artificial muscles”
Together with the Universities of Pisa and Rome, Kayser participates in ARIADNA, a study by ESA’s Advanced Concepts Team on electroactive polymers (EAP, ElectroActive Polymers). The research explores their use as a possible alternative to conventional space mechanisms.
The new premises are inaugurated
Kayser’s new premises are inaugurated in the presence of astronaut Roberto Vittori. Following the move the previous year, the inauguration marks another stage in the company’s growth and its relationship with Italian research and spaceflight.
Kayser contributes to MATROSHKA
Under contract to ESA and DLR, the German Aerospace Center, Kayser participates in the construction of MATROSHKA, an experiment exposed outside the ISS on the Zvezda module. An anthropomorphic mannequin reproduces a head and torso using natural bones and materials equivalent to human tissues, including lung tissue. Internal sensors measure the radiation absorbed to assess its distribution in different organs.
KUBIK enters European research
KUBIK makes its debut, the small ESA incubator destined to become one of the longest-serving infrastructures for life sciences research on the ISS. Kayser will be one of its industrial partners.
Spirit and Opportunity land on Mars
The twin rovers begin geological exploration of the Red Planet. Designed for an initial mission of around three months, they will continue working far longer than expected.
Missions & Payloads
HPA
Activity on the ISS continues in 2004, with astronaut Michael Foale using the facility during Expedition 8. The hardware allows reaching and grasping movements, muscle strength and upper-limb kinematics to be compared before, during and after prolonged stays in microgravity. The data collected during the programme contribute to the study of strength loss and changes in motor control during long-duration stays in space. Scientific and technical responsibility remains with Kayser Italia, with Valfredo Zolesi as Principal Investigator and Aleandro Norfini as Project Manager.
SOYUZ 14P INCR.8
Uncrewed cargo mission to the International Space Station to transport supplies, propellant, equipment and scientific material.
MATROSHKA
Anthropomorphic phantom designed to characterise exposure to cosmic radiation outside and inside the ISS. It reproduces a human head and torso using natural bones and tissue-equivalent materials, including lung tissue. Passive and active detectors, distributed across hundreds of positions at different depths, measure the radiation reaching the skin and organs during exposure to the space environment. It is transported to the ISS by Progress M1-11 / 13P, launched on 29 January 2004, and installed outside the Zvezda module during Expedition 8. It remains exposed outside until August 2005.
INCR. 7/8
Period of activity aboard the International Space Station during Expedition 7 and Expedition 8, dedicated to scientific research, maintenance and logistical support.