ZARM

The Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is part of the Department of Production Engineering at the University of Bremen. In September 1985 the institute was founded as a research center mainly concentrated on the investigation of phenomena under conditions of weightlessness and questions related to space technology. Today ZARM is internationally established as a competent partner with a multidisciplinary expertise in space science and technology as well as fluid mechanics. It is involved in the theoretical and experimental exploration of fundamental physics questions as well as in technological developments for space missions and the performance of microgravity experiments e.g. on the ISS.

ZARM’s main laboratory is the Bremen Drop Tower. It offers the opportunity for short-term experiments (9.3 seconds) under high-quality microgravity conditions and is the only laboratory of this kind in Europe. Due to the very successful operation by the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company (ZARM FAB) the demand for drop tower experiments has continuously increased. Today the Bremen Drop Tower is usually booked out for one year in advance.

ZARM is committed to the promotion of pupils and young scientists on different levels. The non-profit association Friends of ZARM (Förderverein ZARM e.V.) is funding students by offering awards for outstanding Bachelor and Master theses. In cooperation with the University of Bremen ZARM is also involved in several outreach programs for pupils. We especially want to encourage girls to develop an interest in the so-called STEM fields since the percentage of women in departments like physics or engineering still needs to be increased.

ZARM Webpage