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    • Miniature Drop Tower - A hands-on experiment to perform microgravity experiments

    Paper number

    IAC-06-E1.1.07

    Author

    Mr. Torsten Bolik, University of Bremen, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Jan - Martin Och, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Carsten Holze, Germany

    Year

    2006

    Abstract
    Experiments with microgravity do not necessarily require a flight into outer space!

So-called drop towers make it possible to conduct scientific research under microgravity conditions on earth. The Drop Tower Bremen, Germany, is a scientific facility which is unique in Europe, that provides weightlessness for international researchers during 4.74 seconds of free fall.

Using the newly developed demonstration set ”Fascination of microgravity” it is possible to perform microgravity experiments in every high school classroom now.

Inspired by the fascinating effects of microgravity, the machtWissen.de corp. developed a device of two meters height, which can be used to perform microgravity experiments. Fixed along with one of four different the experiments in a drop capsule a wireless camera is capturing significant video data throughout the 0.6 seconds lasting free fall. This video data is transmitted to a PC, where it can be analyzed easily with the help of a specially designed software. The equipment will demonstrate various basic phenomena and effects of microgravity: The Magnetic Gravimeter serves to measure gravitation. One experiment covers the subject of surface tensions of water. Another experiment is dealing with the topic of capillary action. The candle flame experiment serves to exemplify the effects of microgravity on combustion processes.

The central aim of the ”public understanding of science” initiative is the improvement of the relationship between science and public. In publics mind the principles of microgravity and the interests of Space technology are a bit mystery and partially unknown.

With the general mission to improve public understanding of science, an economically priced, interactive scientific and educational device for the use in schools will be presented.
    Abstract document

    IAC-06-E1.1.07.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-06-E1.1.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.