VIVAERO

First commercial microgravity service using UAV technology launches in Cornwall

At its UAV testing site, Predannack airfield, Cornwall, the company has successfully paved the way for a new era of microgravity (µg) access on earth by engineering the first ever commercial microgravity service using UAV technology.

This revolutionary test, which opens up the world of microgravity research to a new market, was commissioned by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership to support its ambition to spearhead innovation within the UK space industry, and lead the delivery of UK space and aerospace services. 

Gravitilab’s UAV solution ascended to 2,000ft and then released the payload within its patent protected ‘LOUIS’ drop-pod, achieving a period of microgravity – a world first for generating a sustained microgravity environment using a UAV or drone system.

As the LOUIS pod drops a microgravity environment is created within the space of its body, which can be used for µg testing. 

Environments that are free from the impact of gravity offer far superior research and test conditions which have proven scientific and commercial benefits. Making microgravity so much more accessible allows Gravitilab to offer unique R&D conditions for industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, building materials, communications, SpaceTech and climate science.

“This is a fantastic collaborative achievement for Gravitilab, the Cornwall Space Cluster, and the UK Space Industry as a whole,” says Rob Adlard, CEO and technical director of Gravitilab. “The only option for terrestrial microgravity testing until now has been to wait several years for access to a drop tower in Germany, which provides two seconds of microgravity. Our service can be delivered locally, is less expensive and as a result of our demonstration flight, we are on target to offer 5 to 20 seconds of high-quality microgravity using our system.”

Gail Eastaugh, director of the Cornwall Space Cluster added: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support the achievement of this world first in microgravity testing from Cornwall. The Cornwall Space Cluster exists to unlock innovation within the space and aerospace sector and companies like Gravitlab are paving the way for the future of the industry.” 

Gravitilab, which is currently in discussions with new investors, has to date been funded by the UK Space Agency and private capital. Its ‘Space as a service’ offering sits at the heart of UK Space strategy and brings significant commercial benefits to a wide range of customers.

Source: https://gravitilab.space