SpaceDent Exhibit Now Part of the Permanent Exhibition at the Noordung Center
The permanent exhibition of the Herman Potočnik Noordung Space Technology Center in Vitanje now features an exhibit from the SpaceDent research project – the first Slovenian student project conducted within the ESA Academy programme of the European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, where students successfully simulated dental procedures in microgravity during a parabolic flight. The project marks a significant milestone in the development of space dentistry, addressing the challenges of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
The SpaceDent project, designed and carried out by students of dental medicine, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering at the University of Ljubljana, tested how to safely perform dental procedures in microgravity during the 83rd ESA parabolic flight campaign. During 90 parabolas with 22-second microgravity intervals, two dentistry students performed the first simulated caries preparation and composite restoration procedures in weightlessness on a dental manikin’s artificial teeth. The results of the study showed that, in microgravity, sufficient control can be maintained for the safe execution of dental procedures, opening the door to expanding the scope of medical and surgical interventions feasible in space.
"The members of the SpaceDent project team are deeply honored and sincerely grateful that our exhibit has become part of the permanent exhibition at the Herman Potočnik Noordung Space Technology Center. Being featured in such a significant national institution sends an encouraging message to all Slovenian students – to boldly embark on the path of space exploration, knowing that their contributions are recognized, valued, and an important part of both Slovenian and European space progress. We extend our gratitude to the Noordung Center team for their kindness and the opportunity to preserve our story in the home of Slovenian space heritage." said project members Tine Šefic and Hana Prtenjak.
"The SpaceDent exhibit is an outstanding example of Slovenian innovation, expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By including it in our permanent exhibition, we aim to bring the realities of space missions closer to our visitors and highlight the importance of preparing for medical care in space. At the same time, we hope to inspire young people to boldly shape the future of space exploration."
— Neža Pavlič Brečko, Director of the Noordung Center
The permanent installation of the SpaceDent exhibit at the Noordung Center offers visitors a compelling insight into a major achievement by Slovenian students and underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and technical sciences.
SpaceDent team members: Tine Šefic, Mitja Dergan, Hana Prtenjak, Tomaž Tomšič, Tomi Štucin, Matic Hvala, Rok Gerbec and Tomaž Škapin
Supervisor: prof. dr. Aleš Fidler
Co-supervisor: assoc. prof. dr. Simon Oman
Loan of a dental manikins: Centre for Teaching Clinical Skills in Dental Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ljubljana
Space for structure fabrication: Sandbox - Open Laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana
More information about the SpaceDent research project is available on the project’s website: www.spacedentproject.com
Research structure of the SpaceDent project at the Noordung Center. (Photo: SpaceDent)
Research structure of the SpaceDent project at the Noordung Center. (Photo: SpaceDent)
Presentation of the project and the parabolic flight at the Noordung Center. (Foto: SpaceDent)
Structures representing a simplified dental clinic environment on board the Air Zero-G parabolic flight. (Foto: SpaceDent)
Performing a simulated dental procedure on the Air Zero-G aircraft during a 22-second interval of microgravity. (Foto: SpaceDent)
Members of the SpaceDent team. (Foto: SpaceDent)
The teams from Slovenia, Switzerland, and Italy before their second parabolic flight aboard the Air Zero-G aircraft. (Foto: SpaceDent)