Case Study: NTE-SENER achieves 25–30% faster development of the ISS MARES to combat astronaut muscle atrophy with SolidWorks

Creating a research and exercise system for the International Space Station with SolidWorks

NTE-SENER was tasked with developing the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES) to help astronauts exercise and to study neuromuscular effects of zero gravity on the International Space Station, while meeting strict fit, interface and communication requirements with ESA and NASA. To address these challenges the company used SolidWorks 3D design software to move beyond 2D drawings, visualize the system inside the Columbus module, and coordinate with partners.

Using SolidWorks, NTE-SENER virtually integrated MARES into an existing ISS model, used configurations to size for body-percentile ranges and motion profiles, and applied collision-detection and modular design practices. SolidWorks shortened development time by 25–30%, automated variant creation, reduced design errors, streamlined production and assembly, and helped deliver the system to the ISS.

NTE-SENER

Albert Catalan

Mechanical Engineer