ONE FOUNDATION. A WIDER HORIZON.
Engineering that connects worlds.
Spacefit was created as an E-FIT spin-off in connection with our ESA collaboration. Its purpose is to develop space-related technologies and translate selected innovations into commercial products.
We bring E-FIT’s practical experience in electrical muscle stimulation into a dedicated research environment. The ambition is a continuous exchange: professional know-how informs new development, and new development opens possibilities for E-FIT and VOLTTA.
E-FIT
EMS engineering, manufacturing and experience from professional use.
SPACEFIT
Space-related challenges, wearable systems and smart-textile development.
E-FIT × VOLTTA
A pathway for selected innovations into professional and personal products.
THE CHALLENGE / THE RESEARCH GOAL
Preserving muscle means preserving capability.
Our central goal is to develop and validate a wearable EMS system that could help counter muscle deconditioning associated with microgravity and support recovery after spaceflight. Post-flight rehabilitation is the first focus; preparation and in-flight use are longer-term research directions.
01 / The problem
Less loading. Less capacity.
Microgravity reduces the loading normally provided by standing and movement. Muscles can lose mass and strength, affecting work in space and recovery on Earth. Exercise remains central to astronaut health.
02 / Why metabolism matters
Muscle is also metabolic tissue.
Muscle uses glucose and fat to produce energy. Human bed-rest studies link inactivity with reduced insulin sensitivity and altered muscle energy metabolism. These findings explain a research need; they do not establish SmartWear efficacy.
03 / The approach
Contraction, sensing, feedback.
SmartWear combines controlled electrical stimulation with dry-electrode textiles and planned physiological sensing. The research question is whether this wearable approach can complement established exercise and rehabilitation protocols.
What we aim to demonstrate
In space
Support muscle function and post-flight recovery with a compact, wearable system. Any in-flight use requires further validation and space qualification.
In research
Measure strength, function, tolerability and relevant physiological responses in defined protocols. Metabolic benefits must be tested, not assumed.
In everyday life
Translate suitable components into comfortable professional and personal EMS products; investigate rehabilitation applications separately with clinical partners.
Current evidence: a developed prototype, laboratory work and completed programme milestones. The supplied records do not demonstrate astronaut clinical efficacy, an ISS deployment or a completed controlled rehabilitation trial.
THE SPACEFIT JOURNEY
A space challenge. A human purpose.
The ESA BIC Hungary programme supported technical consultation, mentoring and business development. The project-specific incubation ran from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024; the final report followed on 29 February 2024.
The archive documents a prototype, laboratory tests, stimulation integration and a review of 50 publications selected from more than 250 results. Spark Funding subsequently supported Fit-Pro’s E-Fit SmartWear technology-transfer project, successfully reviewed on 5 March 2025.
View the official ESA profileINSIDE THE DEVELOPMENT
A garment. An integrated system.
SmartWear brings stimulation, textile engineering and sensing into a shared development architecture.
Dry electrode interface
Electrode integration designed to transmit impulses without pre-wetting the garment or applying conductive gel.
Flexible textile connections
Stretchable conductors and a close-fitting garment architecture designed around movement and electrode contact.
Targeted muscle stimulation
The documented 2023 concept describes 12 stimulation channels and 24 electrodes distributed across selected muscle groups.
Biosensor integration
Research directions include muscle activity (EMG), cardiac signals (ECG), respiration and electrodermal activity (EDA).
The specifications shown describe the documented research concept. Sensor functions, space qualification and performance claims require verification for each final configuration and intended use.
The research garment, from every angle.
Original design images supplied from the project archive. These show the development concept, not a flight-qualified spacesuit.
FROM AN IDEA TO A DEVELOPMENT PATH
Four milestones that moved the project forward.
2022 → 2024
ESA BIC Hungary
Selected in December 2022; incubation from February 2023 to January 2024. Prototype and technical documentation completed.
22 JUN 2023
Paris Air Show
One of nine challenge finalists, with a pitch in the ESA–CNES pavilion.
21 FEB 2024
Space Cafe winner
First place by audience vote; a €500 travel and conference award.
05 MAR 2025
Spark successfully closed
Fit-Pro’s E-Fit SmartWear Final Review accepted with no further actions.
Milestones with a clear provenance.
Open a year to explore the full development history. Dates refer to events, rather than later reposts. Applications, invitations and preparations are explicitly distinguished from completed participation and results.
2021 / The E-FIT background provides the foundation. The supplied archive contains no independently verified Space-Fit event for this year; project-specific records begin in May 2022.
2022 · Concept & selection 8 events and developments
2022-05-16–19
The concept takes shape
Preparation of the first ESA BIC application: an astronaut EMS garment combining LightWear know-how with physiological sensing.
2022-06
Company and first application
Company-formation administration begins; ESA BIC receives the first application on 20 June.
2022-07-22
Feedback becomes a development input
The first application is unsuccessful. The team uses the evaluation to strengthen the scientific and business case.
2022-08
Astronaut rehabilitation focus
Consultation with Ferenc Horvai helps sharpen the post-flight rehabilitation direction and its scientific foundation.
2022-09-16
HUNOR medical consultation
Meeting with Dr Klaudia Vivien Nagy on astronaut monitoring, telemedicine, EMS and the validation needed for space-related use.
2022-09–10
Scientific expertise from Debrecen
Consultation and an expert agreement with Dr Árpád Szöőr lay the groundwork for a structured literature review.
2022-10-20 / 12-01
A stronger second application
The revised application is submitted on 20 October and presented to the ESA BIC evaluation board on 1 December.
2022-12-09
Selected for ESA BIC Hungary
The second application succeeds, opening the path to the incubation agreement and a dedicated development programme.
2023 · Incubation & international visibility 9 events and developments
2023-02-01
Incubation begins
Work starts on scientific evidence, technical specifications, electrodes and sensors, garment development and the business model.
2023-02–03
MindRove technical discussions
EMG measurement and stimulation artefacts are explored; an NDA is sent on 8 March. These are integration discussions, not a completed joint product.
2023-04
Engineering and research connections
Remred consultation and Space Cafe networking broaden the technical network. On 28 April, Dr László Bacsárdi discusses ESA/EAC links and analogue research.
2023-05-22–24
New Capabilities and Countries in European Space
Roland Meszter attends ESTEC, Noordwijk, presents the project in professional meetings and develops contacts around space physiology and bed-rest research.
2023-06-22
Paris Air Show finalist
One of nine finalists in the New Space Global Markets Challenge. Roland Meszter pitches at the ESA–CNES pavilion in Le Bourget.
2023-09-08
UniSpace roundtable invitation
An invitation from the University of Public Service is declined because of a scheduling conflict; no attendance is claimed.
2023-09-19
ESA Network Event, Budapest
The prototype is exhibited on a mannequin at the Millennium House event, creating a tangible basis for professional discussion.
2023-12-01
HUNOR-DEV application
A proposal is submitted exploring preparation, in-flight support and post-flight recovery. This is an application, not mission selection.
2023-12-18
Literature review completed
The BIC report records an analysis of 50 publications selected from more than 250 search results, informing development priorities.
2024 · Awards & technology transfer 16 events and developments
2024-01-09–12
HUNOR technical clarification
The team submits requested clarifications on the proposed system, use and constraints; the figures remain proposal specifications.
2024-01–02
ESA BIC development closes
The contract ends on 31 January; the final report follows on 29 February, documenting prototype construction, laboratory testing and stimulator integration.
2024-02-21
Space Cafe V — first place
At Create26, Budapest, Roland Meszter wins the audience-voted pitch contest among five BIC teams. The award includes €500 for travel and conferences.
2024-03-11
HUNOR feedback and next steps
After the unsuccessful HUNOR-DEV application, a ministry meeting addresses mass, standards and possible future development routes.
2024-03-18 / 04-08
Spark Funding selection
Fit-Pro Ltd. submits E-Fit SmartWear on 18 March and is selected on 8 April to transfer Space-Fit technology into terrestrial applications.
2024-04-15
ESTEC delegation
A visit to Noordwijk advances discussions on funding, human exploration and ground-based physiological research, including bed-rest study opportunities.
2024-05-22
E-Fit SmartWear project starts
Spark implementation covers integration, testing, usability, market introduction, feedback and preparation for manufacturing.
2024-06-07
First Hungarian Space Congress
In Balatonfüred, Roland Meszter gives a ten-minute presentation on ESA BIC and SmartWear; the team also exhibits the development.
2024-06-11
Startup Safari Budapest
The project is presented to the startup and innovation community by Roland Meszter.
2024-06-12
ESA bed-rest research discussion
An online consultation with Dr Angelique Van Ombergen explores research opportunities. No completed study is reported.
2024-08-09
NATO DIANA application
The SmartSuit proposal is submitted for constrained-mobility applications. Selection or funding is not documented.
2024-09–10
Cápák között casting
The project reaches the third casting round for the Hungarian Shark Tank format, with Roland Meszter and János Papp. Broadcast or investment is not confirmed.
2024-09-19
NASA Space Apps mentor invitation
Hanna receives a mentor invitation. The archive does not establish that mentoring took place.
2024-10-26–27
Brazilian WB-NMES symposium
The Spark final report records an online professional presentation at the fifth Brazilian WB-NMES symposium.
2024-12-03
Space Cafe B2B
Professional networking includes a discussion with Innomed Medical about cardiac and ECG-related opportunities; no formal partnership is implied.
2024-12-09–10
20th ESA Investor Forum
Roland Meszter pitches and networks in Frankfurt, using the Space Cafe travel award. No investment agreement is claimed.
2025 · Project closure & research dialogue 10 events and developments
2025-01-17
ORION Space Charity Gala
Participation and prototype presentation are prepared for the gala in Balatonfüred. The records establish preparation, not a research result.
2025-02-08
Day of Beauty Expo, Antwerp
The Spark report records the exhibition and market introduction of E-Fit SmartWear: a visible step toward commercial technology transfer.
2025-02-15
Genesis Space Bioscience
The final report lists Roland Meszter’s participation and presentation at the Budapest event.
2025-03-05
Spark Final Review accepted
The E-Fit SmartWear final review is successfully closed with no further actions requested. Programme acceptance is distinct from clinical validation.
2025-03
Ljubljana research meeting
A meeting with Prof Igor Mekjavic explores terrestrial space-physiology and bed-rest research using LightWear and its control unit.
2025-04-27 / 05-16
EUDIS application and feedback
The Military SmartWear application is received on 27 April; on 16 May the team is informed it was not selected.
2025-04-28–29
ESA HRE Industry Days
Roland Meszter attends ESTEC, Noordwijk, to develop human and robotic exploration contacts; a stage presentation is not documented.
2025-05-27–29
ESA Technology Broker profile
The team completes a technology-transfer survey and profile as a BIC alumnus and potential transfer partner.
2025-09-12
NASA Space Apps invitation
Roland Meszter receives a mentor invitation; completed mentoring is not established in the archive.
2025-11-25
HUNOR2 demonstration
An in-person equipment demonstration is held at the MBC office, organised by Dr Ádám Schlégl; a later follow-up confirms the meeting and trial.
2026 · Life sciences & rehabilitation 4 events and developments
2026-01-23
LES Hungary / LESI industry day
Roland Meszter presents the space-rehabilitation direction at Richter Gedeon in Budapest, linking life sciences, innovation and space applications.
2026-01-24
SPEED 2026, Győr
Szilvia Kóra presents space technology in neuro- and cardiac rehabilitation. The official programme and supplied photos document the professional presentation and garment demonstration.
2026-02–04
HUNOR2 follow-up
A second showroom demonstration is discussed. The available records do not confirm that the additional meeting took place.
2026-04-23 / 05-05
Rehabilitation research preparation
Discussions with the Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital team concern equipment for planned neurological rehabilitation research; no completed trial results are reported.
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE / PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
From the space community to rehabilitation science.
International pitches, technical meetings, congress talks and live demonstrations connect the development to researchers, clinicians and industry. Their value lies in expert feedback, new research questions and routes to collaboration.
International visibility
Paris Air Show finalist; presentations and professional exchange at ESTEC, ESA Investor Forum and the Brazilian WB-NMES symposium.
Scientific dialogue
ESA/HUNOR consultations, literature work, bed-rest research discussions and planned rehabilitation studies build the next validation steps.
Terrestrial relevance
The Hungarian Space Congress, Genesis Space Bioscience, LESI and SPEED bring the research direction to wider professional audiences.
FROM RESEARCH TO REAL PRODUCTS
The value comes back to Earth.
Spacefit extends the engineering knowledge behind E-FIT and VOLTTA. The aim is to turn selected research outcomes into practical, usable product improvements through testing, adaptation and industrialisation.
Explore VOLTTAMaterials & wearability
Dry electrodes, flexible wiring and garment integration inform work on comfortable wearable systems.
Control & feedback
Stimulation control and physiological sensing create opportunities for more informed, personalised system design.
Product development
Promising solutions are evaluated for professional EMS and supervised personal-use applications. Each product retains its own specifications and validation.
Technology transfer is a development pathway. ESA programme participation is not an ESA endorsement or certification of E-FIT or VOLTTA commercial products.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE TECHNOLOGY
Shared expertise. A dedicated mission.
Spacefit brings together textile and product design, electronics, biomedical engineering and business expertise. The team builds on experience gained in developing E-FIT systems and brings it to new research questions.
Explore the background
Public references and the project background behind this page.
- Space-Fit · ESA startup directoryESA BIC Hungary, incubation 2023–2024.
- Space-Fit · ESA project introductionDry electrodes, biosensors and the SmartWear development direction.
- E-FIT · Spark Funding milestoneCompany announcement, July 2025; project dates follow the supplied programme records.
- Space-Fit · Original company presentationCompany mission, technology and team.
- NASA · Astronaut Exercise (2024)Official overview of astronaut exercise and muscle preservation.
- Eggelbusch et al. · Cell Reports Medicine (2024) · doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101372Primary human bed-rest study on muscle metabolism; not a SmartWear trial.
- Dirks et al. · Diabetes (2016) · doi:10.2337/db15-1661Primary human study of muscle disuse and insulin resistance; not a SmartWear trial.
- Space-Fit · Space Cafe (2024)Company press release, 26 February 2024; the event took place on 21 February.
- LESI · Sky Is No Limit (2026)Organiser’s programme, 23 January 2026, including Roland Meszter.
- SPEED 2026 · Scientific programme (PDF)Organiser’s programme, Győr, 23–24 January 2026; Szilvia Kóra’s talk on 24 January.
Chronology based on the supplied Spacefit historical and grant report (2021–2026), programme records and company photographs; supplemented by public scientific and event sources. Updated 30 September 2026. Internal correspondence is not published.
RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENT. COLLABORATION.