Danish Aerospace Company (DAC) has reportedly signed a contract with ESA for an extra E4D model along with additional spares. The agreement comes following a formal request for another one of DAC’s E4D-multifunction exercise equipment flight model in June 2021.
DAC is contracted to develop three ground and two flight models of the new cross trainer/multifunction equipment for ESA (European Space Agency), known as Enhanced European Exploration Exercise Device or E4D.
This contract now ensures NASA and ESA will have a complete spare flight model on the ground when the equipment will be unveiled and become part of the standard exercise equipment addition for the ISS (International Space Station) astronauts.
The E4D equipment combines rowing, cycling, rope pulling along with 30 other weightlifting exercises in one machine. This gives a full-body workout to astronauts and provides wider flexibility of exercise in their training in space every day.
Thomas A. E. Andersen, the Chief Executive Officer of Danish Aerospace Company stated that the company is delighted to get the signatures for this extra E4D model for ESA. He added that DAC is pleased with the acknowledgment of its innovative work and considers it as a validation of the strong and long partnership the company has with NASA as well as ESA, which will establish a good base for DAC in the upcoming years.
The company is looking forward to the opportunities brought by E4D and other products, said Andersen.
Recently, NASA has expressed its intention to use the equipment operationally and make it available as complete exercise equipment for all ISS astronauts except the Russian cosmonauts. This has resulted in requirement for an extra flight model, which can be used as a spare in case the current flight model needs replacement or servicing.
ESA and NASA will test and utilize the E4D in ISS. The first E4D flight model is expected to be launched by 2023 for initial testing purposes before becoming completely operational.
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