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Equipment created by a startup linked to USP was only identified at launch and monitors sleep, physical activity, and the effects of light on the human body in an extreme space environment
An unexpected discovery during one of the most important moments in recent space exploration placed Brazil at the center of global attention. During the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission, an apparently discreet detail caught the eye: Brazilian equipment was being used by the astronauts — and the most surprising thing is that its own creators only realized this while watching the official broadcast.
The information was disclosed by “O Globo”, based on reports from the CTO and co-founder of Condor Instruments, Luis Filipe Rossi, who revealed how the technology developed in São Paulo ended up integrating a lunar mission without any prior confirmation. According to him, although the company had previously been in contact with NASA, there was no guarantee that the device would be used in the mission.
We only discovered that it was actually being used on the mission on the day of the launch, when we saw the equipment on the astronauts’ wrists — Rossi stated.
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This episode not only highlights the relevance of Brazilian innovation but also shows how solutions developed in the country can achieve international standards and integrate high-level scientific and technological projects.
How the Brazilian equipment used in the Artemis II mission works
The device that caught attention during the mission is ActLumus, an actigraph developed by Condor Instruments. Although visually similar to a wristwatch, the equipment features advanced technology aimed at high-precision scientific research.
In practice, the wearable continuously monitors sleep patterns, physical activity levels, and light exposure throughout the day. This last factor, in particular, is considered one of the most critical in space missions, as outside Earth, the human body loses its main natural time reference: the alternation between day and night provided by sunlight.
According to Rossi, the great differential of Brazilian technology lies in its light sensor, which goes beyond conventional measurement.
The equipment can measure not only the intensity of light, but also how different receptors in the human eye are being stimulated, including those linked to circadian rhythm and sleep.
Thus, the device allows monitoring how the astronauts’ organisms react to the absence of natural cycles. This is essential because a misalignment of the biological clock can cause significant impacts on health and performance.
Why sleep monitoring is essential in space
In space environments, where there are no natural light cycles, the human body can undergo profound changes. As a consequence, problems such as insomnia, fatigue, decreased attention, hormonal changes, and reduced cognitive performance can arise.
According to Rossi, this scenario represents not only discomfort but a real operational risk.
Sleep deprivation can affect attention, memory, reaction time, and decision-making. In a space mission, where everything requires high precision, keeping the crew rested is an important matter of performance and safety.
Therefore, the use of devices like the ActLumus allows scientists to monitor these effects in real-time and adjust routines to preserve the astronauts’ health.
Even in an extreme environment, the equipment required few adaptations. According to the company, the main change was the reduction of Bluetooth power to meet the specific requirements of the space mission.
From USP to NASA: The trajectory of Brazilian innovation
The story of Condor Instruments begins in 2013, within the São Paulo academic ecosystem. The startup emerged from a partnership with researchers linked to the University of São Paulo (USP) and received initial support from Fapesp.
With an initial investment of R$ 40,000 from the founders themselves and an additional contribution of R$ 195,000 from the foundation, the company began developing solutions for the scientific monitoring of sleep and circadian rhythm.
Over the years, the company expanded its operations, and today about 90% of its sales are destined for the international market. Its clients include renowned institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, the NIH, and the British NHS. In addition, companies like United Airlines, Air Canada, and FedEx also use its technologies.
Given this scenario, participation in the Artemis II mission represents a symbolic milestone for Brazilian science. For Rossi, seeing technology created in São Paulo being used in a lunar mission reinforces the country’s potential on the global stage.
Seeing technology developed in Brazil being used in one of the most important space missions today shows that world-class innovation can also be born here — he highlighted.
Do you believe Brazil can become a protagonist in space missions in the coming years?
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