BEARS
Rover Test

Rover Test

Project Overview

The Microgravity Experiment Platform provides students and researchers with access to near-weightless conditions through drop tower testing. By utilizing a custom-built 15-meter drop tower, we can achieve approximately 2 seconds of microgravity for conducting experiments in materials science, fluid dynamics, combustion research, and biological studies.

Research Focus Areas

Drop Tower Specifications

Our custom-built facility features:

  • Tower Height: 15 meters (50 feet)
  • Microgravity Duration: 1.7 seconds
  • Effective g-level: <0.01g (99% gravity reduction)
  • Deceleration System: Multi-stage foam arrest bed
  • Drop Frequency: Up to 20 drops per day
  • Payload Capacity: 50 kg maximum
  • Environmental Control: Temperature and humidity monitoring

Experiment Workflow

  1. Proposal & Design Phase

    • Researchers submit experiment proposals
    • Technical review and feasibility assessment
    • Collaborative payload design
    • Safety review and approval

  2. Fabrication & Testing

    • Experiment container fabrication
    • Component integration and wiring
    • Ground testing and validation
    • High-g drop tests for structural integrity

Collaborative Research

We partner with:

  • University physics and materials science departments

  • Engineering research laboratories

  • Local aerospace companies for technology testing

  • High schools for educational demonstrations

  • International microgravity research networks

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Submit Experiment Proposal

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Dr. Sarah Williams - Lead Researcher

  • Crystal growth in microgravity
  • Metallurgical solidification processes
  • Polymer behavior without gravitational influence
  • Phase separation in alloys
  • Surface tension effects
  • Capillary flow in reduced gravity
  • Two-phase flow behavior
  • Droplet dynamics and coalescence
Microgravity experiment setup
Drop tower facility exterior
Crystal growth samples under analysis
Fluid dynamics experiment in progress
Team preparing payload for drop test
High-speed camera capturing microgravity phenomena

Img Component Example

Here’s how easy the new Img component is to use:

Microgravity experiment setup
Microgravity experiment setup Drop tower facility exterior Crystal growth samples under analysis Fluid dynamics experiment in progress
Team preparing payload for drop test
High-speed camera capturing microgravity phenomena

Research Outcomes

To date, our platform has supported:

  • 150+ successful drop experiments
  • 12 undergraduate research projects
  • 5 peer-reviewed publications
  • 3 conference presentations
  • Multiple senior capstone projects

Notable Experiments

Crystal Growth Study

Investigation of protein crystallization for pharmaceutical applications showed 40% improvement in crystal quality under microgravity conditions.

Combustion Research

Flame spread experiments revealed unique spherical flame patterns not visible under normal gravity, advancing fire safety understanding.

Fluid Mixing

Studies of miscible fluid mixing demonstrated enhanced mixing efficiency in microgravity, with applications to chemical processing.

Future Development

Facility Upgrades

  • Extend tower height to 20 meters for longer microgravity duration
  • Add vacuum chamber capability for space-environment simulation
  • Implement electromagnetic release mechanism for smoother drop initiation
  • Upgrade to 4K ultra-high-speed cameras

Research Expansion

  • Develop partnerships with national space agencies
  • Establish user facility for external researchers
  • Create online experiment booking system
  • Develop educational outreach programs

Technology Integration

  • Real-time data streaming and analysis
  • Machine learning for automated data processing
  • Virtual reality visualization of microgravity experiments
  • Remote experiment monitoring capabilities

Educational Impact

The platform serves as a unique teaching tool:

  • Hands-on experience with microgravity research
  • Understanding of fundamental physics without gravity
  • Engineering design challenges
  • Scientific method and experimental design
  • Data analysis and scientific communication

Students gain practical experience that is invaluable for careers in aerospace, research, and engineering.

Recognition

  • Featured in Science Education Today magazine
  • Winner of Regional Innovation in STEM Award
  • Highlighted on university website as flagship research facility
  • Host of annual Microgravity Research Symposium