Unoosa and partners open next round of applications for microgravity experiments at the Bremen drop tower

DropTES allows selected research teams to conduct their own experiments at the Bremen Drop Tower and/or GraviTower Bremen Pro located at ZARM. The facilities are a ground-based laboratory, unique in Europe, where short microgravity experiments can be performed. Conducting research and development in a modified gravity environment on Earth represents a useful first step to capacity-building in space activities. It is also an achievable entry point to obtain new insights into a wide range of scientific fields.

Bremen Drop Tower ©ZARM

Acting Director of UNOOSA, Niklas Hedman, said: “Owing to the long-lasting cooperation with ZARM and DLR, we have been able to provide microgravity experiment opportunities for entities from all over the world, which is truly bridging the space gap between space-faring nations and emerging countries. This year, we were able to conduct the experiment campaign by our previous awardee team from Bolivia and saw ground-breaking results related to 3D printing in space. I truly look forward to new and innovative ideas from all over the world.”

Director of ZARM, Marc Avila, said: “With the support of UNOOSA and DLR, I believe we have created an exceptional opportunity for research teams to turn their interest in space science and technology into something real: here at ZARM, young researchers find the support to transform their ideas for a microgravity experiment into a hands-on space project - and they can actually be part of the professional space environment. Especially for students from developing countries or countries that do not have their own space programmes, DropTES could be the first step into their professional space careers.”

Project Manager of the Drop Tower at DLR, Tobias Saltzman, said: “The German Space Agency is proud to contribute the use of its national Drop Tower facility to the outstanding UNOOSA program Drop TES, realizing microgravity experiments for students. We are convinced that the support of young scientists in realizing their scientific ideas is the keystone for solving the world's challenges to come.”

Source: United Nations Information Service Vienna