The ESA's "Spin Your Thesis!" program enables students to carry out experiments in hypergravity by using the Large Diameter Centrifuge at the European Space Research and Technology Center in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
The centrifuge allows samples to be exposed to acceleration forces of up to 20 times Earth's gravity. Officials said the centrifuge is flexible in terms of experiment scenarios, duration and possible equipment. It allows experiments lasting from one minute to six months.
The program calls for each team of students to design a scientific or technology experiment that requires hypergravity for a few hours or days, as part of their syllabus. Teams from ESA member and cooperating states must upload their proposals by Jan. 21.
A review board will select four teams to develop and perform their experiment during 2010.
More information is available at http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Education/SEM43VZRA0G_0.html
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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