Controlled in Space

Delfi’s leadership in Blood Flow Training technology recently reached new heights—literally. We are very proud to announce that our Controlled Blood Flow Training equipment became the first to ever be used in space, when it was deployed aboard the SpaceX Fram2 mission in April 2025. But the journey does not end there.

Astronauts face extreme conditions when travelling into space; exposure to microgravity significantly weakens their physical health, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise to preserve muscle mass and strength. These deficits can last long after returning to Earth, making exercise a crucial part of an astronaut’s routine.

Can Controlled Blood Flow Training technology help? We believe so.

Blood Flow Training, also known as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training, has been shown to enhance the benefits of exercise on Earth. Space agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), along with private space exploration companies, have recognized that BFR Training has the potential to support astronaut health during spaceflight. This is particularly true for exploration missions that travel beyond low Earth orbit to the Moon, where traditional exercise equipment is often impractical due to size and resource constraints.

The Mission

The SpaceX Fram2 mission marked the first human spaceflight to a polar orbit, travelling over Earth’s North and South Poles, while the international crew of four conducted research that could advance human health.

Dr. Luke Hughes has been a leader in Blood Flow Restriction research for nearly a decade. Alongside his team from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, he played a key role in advancing the scientific understanding and operational readiness of this project. SpaceX qualified and used the Delfi BFR Pro for Spaceflight as BFR equipment. One goal during the Fram2 mission was to enable safe and effective Controlled Blood Flow Training in one of the most challenging environments—beyond Earth.

We are honoured to have participated in the collaborative project studying musculoskeletal preservation in microgravity, where astronauts used our system and technology to investigate the benefits of Controlled Blood Flow Training. This milestone not only demonstrated our technology’s portability and reliability in extreme conditions but also reinforced our position at the forefront of applied human performance and rehabilitation science.

What’s next?

Following the mission’s success, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Hughes’ research project has received additional funding after testing the Blood Flow Training technology in space. We will continue to support and collaborate as partners to enhance astronaut health.

For us, participating in a mission that aligns with our core philosophy—identifying human health challenges and exploring potential solutions—holds great significance.

From OR to orbit, we keep innovating.