Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM)

Warum_Zarm

Storytime with: Marc Avila

Prof. Dr. Marc Avila, Direktor des Zentrums für angewandte Raumfahrttechnologie und Mikrogravitation (ZARM)
Prof. Dr. Marc Avila, Director of the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM)

WHY are experiments physically dropped at ZARM?

HERE’S WHY - What sounds like a moment of misfortune is actually completely intentional. Our experiments go into free fall at the Drop Tower to gain up to ten seconds of weightlessness. By doing this, we perform research that would otherwise mainly have to be done in space. It becomes faster, easier, and more cost effective as a result. The research findings from weightlessness are relevant for space travel, e.g., for the development of life-support systems or fire safety for astronauts. What’s more, many findings sooner or later become a core part of day-to-day life on Earth, with low-emission engines, energy-saving displays, devices to measure large objects, and much more.

WHY is there a bit of the University of Bremen at ZARM?

HERE’S WHY - The Drop Tower is part of the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), which means it is one of the University of Bremen’s buildings and research laboratories. Many of our colleagues here conduct lectures, seminars, teaching projects, and international programs of study for students.

How the “WARUM” Banner Was Attached to the Drop Tower

Behind the scenes

When someone climbs over a handrail, it may not be particularly exciting. However, if this happens at some 140 meters above ground and the person then abseils down a vertical tower wall, it is. That was exactly what some industrial climbers did when they attached a large banner to the Drop Tower advertising the “50 Reasons WHY” exhibition. Read more in the online magazine up2date.

Video: Industrial Climbers in Action

Image Gallery