down to earth

Studying galactic antimatter helps boost medal-winning artificial limbs

Europe's Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-01), the largest experiment ever flown on the International Space Station, studies matter, antimatter and 'missing' matter. Its development gave rise to a light-weight, high-strength carbon-fibre material that can also be used in prosthetic limbs. This made-for-space technology is helping disabled people regain mobility and conquer challenges. In 2008, a German athlete set Paralympic world records in long jump and sprint competitions using this multifunctional material.