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Astronauts can lose up to 30 % of their muscle mass during just one month in microgravity (Williams et al., 2009). This significantly reduces their performance and safety upon returning to Earth. Researchers from FEL UWB in Pilsen, together with colleagues from the Czech Technical University in Prague and the companies VÚB and G. L. Electronics, therefore focused on developing the AstroMoWe experiment — a smart textile system that will monitor astronauts’ muscle activity on board the ISS. The technology also promises benefits for everyday life on Earth.

The system is a wearable device combining measurements of electrical muscle activity (EMG) and motion tracking, with data analysis powered by artificial intelligence. Four lightweight electronic units are placed on the astronaut’s limbs, targeting muscles that weaken most under zero-gravity conditions. The system continuously evaluates signals from the monitored muscles. Data are stored in internal memory, and the units are powered by batteries lasting up to a week with half-day operation. “The aim of the AstroMoWe project is to understand how the human body adapts to microgravity and how we can protect astronauts during long missions,” explained Radek Soukup from FEL UWB.

Alongside him, Tomáš Blecha contributes to the development and serves as the project lead on the Pilsen side. UWB’s main contribution lies in developing smart textiles. “At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, we are developing textile electrodes and integrating the system into textile sleeves that astronaut Aleš Svoboda will use on the ISS,” says Tomáš Blecha. Students are also involved in the project, working mainly on embroidering electrodes using automated embroidery machines and conducting laboratory tests of the materials. “It’s a unique experience for them — they are helping develop technology destined for space,” adds Radek Soukup.

The textile electrodes are embroidered using hybrid conductive threads that combine gold-plated molybdenum wires with flame-resistant aramid fibers developed in cooperation with VÚB a. s. in Ústí nad Orlicí. “Traditional electrodes are attached to the skin with adhesive and can cause irritation. Our textile is breathable, comfortable, and easy to use — the astronaut simply puts it on like a regular sleeve,” explains Radek Soukup. A key innovation from FEL UWB is the custom electrode design, its adaptation for high-quality muscle-signal acquisition and the technological parameters for configuring the embroidery machine. Every gram saved in the resulting system matters. In space, weight is critical for handling and for the cost of transporting equipment from Earth to the ISS.

Thanks to AstroMoWe, scientists will be able to better understand changes in muscle activity in microgravity and optimize astronaut training. Equally important is the potential impact on everyday life. The technology can be used in rehabilitation, sports medicine, elderly care, and injury prevention. “What we’re developing for space has enormous potential for medicine and sports,” emphasizes Tomáš Blecha.

The AstroMoWe technology has already undergone initial laboratory tests. The next phase will continue during the Hydronaut analog mission, where its reliability will be verified in simulated conditions. Astronaut Aleš Svoboda has already been introduced to the project and will test the system before the flight, during his stay on the ISS, and after returning to Earth.

The AstroMoWe experiment (Astronaut Muscle and Movement Wearable Monitoring System) was developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The research team presented it to the public on October 21, 2025, at a press conference during Czech Space Week in Liechtenstein Palace in Prague. Project partners include CTU (main coordinator), UWB (textile electrode development), VÚB a. s. (textile materials), and the Brno-based company G. L. Electronic s. r. o. (electronics manufacturing and clean-room testing).