
ESA has been providing such research opportunities for over 25 years now, with the A300 Zero-G wide-body airliner having been used for the last ten. The A300 is one of the most modern and largest aircraft to be used for parabolic flights, but the difference with this campaign is that flights will no longer be restricted to simulation of microgravity only.
Recent new certification now means that on offer will also be flights including parabolas that produce reduced gravity levels of 0.16 g for approximately 23 seconds, and 0.38 g for around 30 seconds. These gravity levels equate to the conditions found on the Moon and Mars respectively.
But you’ll have to hurry – proposals need to be submitted by 31st August 2010, although those received after that date are likely to be considered for future campaigns.
Needless to say, my application is already submitted!
Want to read more details? Then click the link below to take you to the ESA website:
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMCQH5OJCG_index_0.html