6. How do you seize the opportunity for microgravity flights?

6.1 Flight opportunities

Until recently, research space on board the ISS was mostly reserved for government initiatives, but new opportunities for commercial and academic use of the ISS are now available. While the ISS remains the benchmark when it comes to microgravity research, as demonstrated above, scientists have access to a range of equipment to complete their research (clinostats, drop towers, parabolic flights, balloons, suborbital rockets, capsules and satellites). To benefit from those, a succinct and relevant application needs to be completed, setting out a research project using the capabilities of facilities dedicated to microgravity research. Calls for tender can be sent out every year, or may be permanently open. They help with securing finance for the flight, the cost...