A new application channel is now open for ESA parabolic flights, welcoming proposals studying new technologies from both academic institutions and commercial entities.

Parabolic flights provide short periods of weightlessness, offering a quick way to test things in microgravity with humans. Researchers use them for short-duration, hands-on scientific and technological investigations, such as training astronauts and validating instruments before they fly to the International Space Station.

The aircraft can also fly over a gentler trajectory, providing partial gravity like on the Moon or Mars. Lunar and martian gravity levels are not only scientifically interesting but it is also useful to test the effect on humans and equipment before travelling to these destinations.

ESA is now opening these unique aircraft doors to two types of experiment, for up-and-coming new technologies in a changing space sector: technological and commercial.

Companies are welcome to apply to raise the Technology Readiness Levels of prototype space hardware to develop these into viable commercial products. Whereas previously it may have been necessary for companies to book the entire aircraft, ESA now offers access on a pro-rata basis so companies need to pay only for the fraction of resources they use during the parabolic flights.

ESA’s parabolic flight team looks forward to working together with new teams of aerospace engineers and collectively developing future space technologies.