Zero-gravity flights by plane
Now there is an opportunity to participate in parabolic flights. This requires some kind of plan or project to explore on the flight. Young researchers and students in particular are encouraged to apply for flights. The application period is open until 15.6.2026 – the next application period 15.1.2027.
Parabolic flights provide a unique opportunity to test biological, biomedical, physiological, physical, and material science experiments in a real flight environment.
What is a parabolic flight ?A parabolic flight is the term used to describe a specific manoeuvre affecting the attitude and the trajectory of an aircraft in flight that negates, as much as possible, the effect of Earth’s gravity (g). The manoeuvre resembles a ballistic trajectory, which is in fact the apex of a highly eccentric ellipse with one focus at the centre of the Earth. This orbit however traverses for the most part through the Earth’s mantle and core thus limiting the usable portion to a few kilometres of trajectory in the Earth’s atmosphere. The aircraft therefore follows this small portion of the orbit for a short duration only, approximately 22 seconds. During these 22 seconds, in theory, the aircraft is in orbit and as such also in freefall, negating all of Earth’s gravitational forces thus rendering the aircraft, and its contents “weightless”. In practical terms however, because of small perturbations in the flight conditions and the atmospheric resistance, only centi-milli-gravity levels (10-2g - 10-3g) can be achieved. |
Why parabolic flights ?
These campaigns enable:
- Hands-on experimentation during short periods of weightlessness
- Gravity level flexibility between 0g and 1g for specific research needs
- Validation of hardware and procedures before space missions
Parabolic flights are ideal for studies requiring crew interaction, real-time observation, and rapid prototyping.
ESA's role
ESA organises Parabolic Flight Campaigns twice per year (Spring and Autumn) using the Airbus A310 ZERO-G, operated by Novespace from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport.
- Each campaign includes three flights, with 31 parabolas per flight (93 per campaign)
- Each parabola provides about 20 seconds of microgravity, totaling ~10 minutes per flight and ~30 minutes per campaign
- Intermediate gravity levels (between 0g and 1g) can be requested, though such campaigns are rare
How to participate
Submit proposals via Open Space Innovation Platform – OSIP – Channel: HRE Exploration Science AO – Parabolic Flight (PF)
Learn more
More information on ESA Parabolic Flight Campaigns: ESA – Parabolic flights
