In space technology, every detail counts to ensure the well-being of astronauts during long-duration missions. And one of the key tools recently used is the rotor of Sidi, applied in veno-constrictor cuffs to mitigate the effects of microgravity on the human body.
The Crew-8 mission represents SpaceX's eighth operational flight for NASA. To the International Space Station (ISS). The crew, consisting of Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Alexander Grebenkin, will join Expedition 71 to conduct innovative experiments for six months. Key research includes studying brain organoids to understand neurodegenerative disorders, monitoring the movement of bodily fluids, and analyzing the effects of UV radiation and microgravity on plant growth. These experiments aim to provide new insights into how space conditions affect the human body and other organisms..
Proprietary innovation
Sidi Sport played a fundamental role in the mission by providing its rotor closure system for the veno-constrictor cuffs worn by the astronauts on their thighs. These cuffs are designed to counteract the effect of microgravity, which tends to shift body fluids to the upper body, causing potential vision problems known as Space Flight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome. A system that allows you to trap liquids in the legs, reducing intracranial pressure and preventing harmful changes to eye structure and vision.
The Sidi rotor was chosen for its reliability and precision. Consisting of a high intensity resin rotor with a Dyneema cable, offers a micrometric and differentiated closure, ensuring excellent adaptability to the body circumference. This technology It has been adapted to meet the rigorous technical requirements of space operations, demonstrating its versatility and robustness.
Sidi's innovation in the rotor dates back to the 60s, when Dino Signori, the company's founder, designed a screw system to adjust the closure of ski boots. In 1988, Signori patented a locking mechanism consisting of a nylon cable regulated by a rotor lever, initially intended for cycling shoes. This device revolutionized the sports industry, leading Sidi to develop the Tecno model in 1993, the first shoe equipped with this technology. Since then, the rotor has been widely used in cycling and motorcycling equipment, significantly contributing to athletes' performance.
In addition to its application in space, Sidi's rotor could have important implications for terrestrial medicine. Venoconstrictor cuffs could be used to treat patients with fluid buildup in the head due to specific pathologies or prolonged periods of bed rest. This could represent a major advance in the treatment of complex medical conditions, offering a non-invasive solution for managing body fluids.
Technology and versatility
“It’s absolutely thrilling that Sidi closure systems have been chosen by NASA for a space mission,” said Davide Rossetti, CEO of Sidi Sport. “This recognition not only confirms Sidi’s technological excellence, but also opens up new opportunities for future collaborations in the fields of space and medical research. The Sidi rotor, initially conceived to improve sports performance, has found a new and vital application in the aerospace industry. Its ability to adapt to such diverse contexts underscores the ingenuity and versatility of this technology: a true testimony to the innovation and quality of the products offered by our company».“
