Galileo^® Space in Weightlessness

Experiments with Galileo^® Space during the 14. parabolic flight campaign of the DLR

For the past 10 years, the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft-und Raumfahrt) has conducted so-called parabolic flights. For a period of 22 seconds per parabola flown there is a state of weightlessness. Per flight up to 30 experiments in weightlessness can be conducted. As part of the 14th DLR parabolic flight campaign the groups of Prof. Albert Gollhofer, Institute for Sport and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University and Prof. Dr. Markus Gruber, professor of exercise science and training University of Potsdam, performed experiments with Galileo Space in weightlessness.

The research group focuses on investigating the adaptation of nervous systems to side alternating whole-body vibration with Galileo in weightlessness. Focus of the experiments is the investigation of muscle reflexes during the Galileo training both under normal terrestrial conditions and under microgravity. The results of these experiments provide a basis for better understanding the effect of oscillating vibration training on the muscles. These experiments are also important for future use of Galileo training for astronauts in space.

Galileo Space participates for the second time in a parabolic flight mission. In May 2006 at the 8th DLR parabolic flight campaign the feasibility of Galileo training in weightlessness was already shown. The decisive factor here was also to proof that no vibrations are transmitted to the aircraft. The successful completion of these studies shows the technical feasibility of a possible use of Galileo in training for future missions to Mars or to the International Space Station ISS.

The tremendous benefits of Galileo training for long-term astronauts were shown during the two Berlin Bedrest studies by the Center for Muscle and Bone (ZMK) of the Charité in Berlin under the direction of Prof. Dr. Dieter Felsenberg, for the European Space Agency ESA and the DLR conducted from 2003 to 2009. In these two studies Galileo training was able to avoid almost completely the muscle and bone loss of the "terrestrial astronauts".
The parabolic flights of the 14th DLR Campaign take place from 15. to 17. September at the airport Cologne-Bonn. At the three flight days about 30 parabolas each are flown in a specially converted Airbus A300 Zero-G of the French company Novespace.

On Saturday, 20 September the Airbus A300 Zero-G with the Galileo space and further experimental features of the campaign can be visited on the day of the Aerospace 2009 with the Airbus A380 and its many other attractions. The planes are exhibited here on the so-called static display of the Cologne Bonn Airport, which is accessible from the premises of the DLR in Cologne. The researchers from the group led by Prof. Gollhofer and Prof. Gruber are available on that day to answer questions.

10 years DLR parabolic flights (Logo), © copyright DLR

Galileo Space in weightlessness (image 2006), © copyright Novotec Medical GmbH

Airbus A300 Zero-G, © copyright NOVESPACE