About ZARM

The Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is an institute of the faculty of Production Engineering at the University of Bremen. The institute was founded in September 1985 and focused initially on the investigation of flow phenomena under microgravity conditions and the development of space technology. Today ZARM is an internationally recognized research center with multidisciplinary expertise in fluid mechanics, space exploration, space technology and space science. The research at ZARM covers experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to fundamental scientific questions, as well as the development of technology for space missions and microgravity experiments (for example on the International Space Station). ZARM employs more than 100 scientists, engineers and administrative staff and hosts many students from the faculty of Production Engineering, as well as from the Physical Sciences and Information Technology departments.

The main facility of ZARM is the Bremen Drop Tower, a research laboratory for short-term experiments under microgravity conditions. Due to the high quality of weightlessness and the extensive expertise of the drop tower team, there is a constantly growing demand for microgravity experiments. Since 2022, the Drop Tower has been complemented by the GraviTower Bremen Pro, in which 20 microgravity experiments can take place per hour. Both laboratories are an attractive and cost-effective alternative to research in space for scientific research groups from all over the world and from a wide range of disciplines

ZARM is strongly committed to support students at all levels and young scientists. For example, the non-profit association Friends of ZARM (Förderverein ZARM e.V.) provides awards for outstanding Bachelor and Master theses. In cooperation with the University of Bremen ZARM is also involved in several outreach programs for students. ZARM especially aims at increasing the percentage of girls interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) because women are currently underrepresented in these fields.