UNIS/OS/592
31 January 2024
VIENNA, 31 January (United Nations Information Service) — The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) together with the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen, with the support of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Space Agency, have selected a team from the Universidad de Central Venezuela for the ninth round of the DropTES programme.
In their project, the team will examine the effects of microgravity on the welding of aerospace aluminium alloys. The results of this experiment could provide valuable insights for the development of components, equipment, and infrastructure in space, supporting human space exploration.
Delivered under the Hypergravity/Microgravity Track of the Access to Space for All initiative, DropTES allows selected teams to conduct microgravity experiments at the Bremen Drop Tower and GraviTower Bremen Pro at ZARM. These unique ground-based facilities offer a high-quality microgravity environment by creating a vacuum and giving teams an opportunity to conduct a wide range of scientific experiments and technological demonstrations in weightlessness here on Earth. Previous teams of the programme have conducted experiments for material science, such as 3D printing and soldering in microgravity, to advance additive manufacturing and mechanical engineering, like robotic arms and deorbit sail systems, which have served as demonstrations of a technology before sending it to space as part of a spacecraft.
Director of UNOOSA Aarti Holla Maini said: "I am pleased to select another interesting experiment for DropTES. The paradigm of space activities is shifting and there is a need to conduct more research on human space exploration not only for Low Earth Orbit, but also for the Moon and beyond. The results of this new research on welding will bring new knowledge for the educators and students involved in this project. Through the UNOOSA Access to Space for All initiative, we are fostering capacity-building for the future generation. I would like to thank ZARM and DLR for their continuous support in realizing such exciting and valuable opportunities.”
Director of ZARM Marc Avila said: "With the support of UNOOSA and DLR, we have created an opportunity for student teams from developing countries, or countries that do not have their own space programmes, to turn their interest in space into something real. Here at ZARM, these students find the support to design, build and finally test a microgravity experiment in our Drop Tower - normally used by professional scientists and space engineers. Hence DropTES allows them to have a glimpse into the professional space environment and serves as the first step into their professional space careers. I’m delighted that the team selected this year is interdisciplinary and diverse. Their proposal focuses on a technologically relevant problem (welding of aluminium in space conditions) and could led to relevant findings for future production and semblance activities in space. Congratulations to the team.”
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Central de Venezuela Julio Molina said: "It is an honour to be awarded the 9th round of the DropTES Programme. This experience constitutes a great opportunity for our university to develop intensive and top-level education and research capabilities and, at the same time, with the Agencia Bolivariana para Actividades Espaciales, establish a long-term educational strategy to guarantee the professionals that will contribute to consolidating an emerging national space sector."
* *** *
For more information, please contact:
Access to Space for All initiative Team
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Email: unoosa-access-to-space[at]un.org
We must transform how we produce and consume, and how we value nature, says the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development.... Biodiversity loss is a global challenge. No one country, however rich or powerful, can address it alone. Nor can they live without the rich biodiversity that defines our planet."
The growing demand for minerals is amplifying the risks of crime, corruption and instability in the mineral supply chain, says a new study from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released today.
LGBTIQ+ people around the world face an onslaught of hate speech, attacks, and restrictions on their rights. The power of communities is the theme this year which reminds us that we are strongest together. "LGBTIQ+ people, and those working with them to secure their rights, have proved time and again the value of communities in providing support and driving change," says UN Secretary-General António Guterres
"From the telegraph to radio, from the Internet to Artificial Intelligence, technology has transformed how we live, work, and connect." — António Guterres
