Before venturing into space, we prepare on Earth. From Concordia station in Antarctica and the LUNA Moon analogue facility, to parabolic flights and research platforms that briefly recreate the effects of weightlessness, ESA tests technologies, trains crews and prepares for future missions.
Gravity is a force of nature that pulls objects towards each other, keeps our feet on the ground and governs the orbits of planets.
ESA eliminates the masking effects of Earth’s gravity using drop towers, sounding rockets and parabolic flights. These microgravity platforms allow researchers to ‘switch off’ weight, from a few seconds to several minutes — without leaving our planet.
We give researchers quick and easy access to studying fundamental physics, advanced materials and human physiology, all during freefall.
To prepare ourselves for journeys to the Moon or Mars, we use facilities on Earth called space analogues which simulate space conditions.
From studying isolation to designing new technologies, these facilities help us test tools and human behaviour in controlled yet challenging settings.
LUNA recreates the lunar surface to prepare astronauts and equipment for future Moon missions, while Concordia station in Antarctica mirrors the psychological and physiological challenges of space exploration.
By studying how the body responds to prolonged inactivity, bedrest campaigns help us understand the effects of space travel, and improve treatments for elderly or bedridden patients here on Earth.
Liostáil lenár nuachtlitir chun an nuacht is déanaí, nuashonruithe misin, agus léargas eisiach a fháil go díreach i do bhosca isteach. Bí ar an gcéad duine a bheidh ar an eolas faoinár dtionscadail agus ár ndul chun cinn atá le teacht.
