NASA offers zero gravity testing flights

Space agency officials said to be eligible the technologies should have a potential use in future NASA projects, support future exploration systems or improve existing air and space vehicle capabilities.

The program -- Facilitated Access to the Space Environment for Technology -- is designed to assist emerging technologies mature through testing in a reduced gravity environment.

"This unique testing environment is provided by an aircraft flying repeated parabolic, or bowl-shaped, flight paths that create brief periods of zero gravity," NASA said. "The aircraft also can simulate reduced gravity levels similar to those on the surface of the moon or Mars.

Officials said the testing opportunities are being offered to U.S. federal, state and local government entities. Private U.S. organizations, including commercial firms, non-profits and academic institutions, also are eligible.

NASA will provide free flight time for the tests while project teams will be responsible for all other expenses.

Proposals must be submitted by April 19, with the flights occurring in September. NASA said it expects to select approximately 15 to 20 projects for the test flights.

More information is available at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/innovation_incubator/FAST/index.html.

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