UNIS/OS/582
31 May 2023

New opportunity to conduct microgravity experiments at the Bremen Drop Towers

VIENNA, 31 May (UN Information Service) —The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in collaboration with the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen, Germany and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Space Agency have opened the ninth round of applications for the Fellowship Programme for Drop Tower Experiment Series (DropTES).

DropTES provides selected research teams access to ZARM’s unique ground-based facilities where they can conduct short microgravity experiments to demonstrate specific technologies and test various scientific fields, such as fundamental physics, astrophysics, biology and also applied sciences such as fluid dynamics, combustion, chemistry, and material sciences. These microgravity experiments offer an achievable entry point for developing nations to acquire new knowledge and skills and are beneficial for kickstarting efforts for building capacity in space activities.

DropTES is a long-standing programme that began in 2014 and is part of the Hypergravity/Microgravity track of UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All initiative. So far, seven teams from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe have conducted various experiments.

Applications for the opportunity are now open on UNOOSA’s DropTES Rounds web page until 26 November 2023.

Acting Director of UNOOSA Niklas Hedman said: “DropTES offers seemingly limitless opportunities in different innovative scientific and technical fields. We are truly excited to launch another round of applications to select a new team to benefit from this programme thanks to the generous support of ZARM and DLR Space Agency. I recommend any research team interested in gaining experience and knowledge of space activities to apply.”

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 in their professional space careers.”

Project Manager of the Drop Tower at DLR Space Agency 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.”

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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