With a pioneering research project on droplet-based 3D bioprinting technology in microgravity, a team from the IDD around David Sipos successfully took part in the 85th parabolic flight campaign of the European Space Agency (ESA) at the beginning of November 2024.

After intensive preparation, the team traveled to Bordeaux, France, where the parabolic flights took place. A specially developed test facility was used, to carry out bioprinting experiments in zero gravity and analyze them in detail using high-speed cameras. The aim of the investigations was to gain a better understanding of the challenges and potential of bioprinting in zero gravity. The knowledge gained will also serve as a basis in developing a simulation platform for bioprinting in microgravity in order to validate and further optimize future experiments in space in advance.

Special thanks go to the Federal Ministry of Economics Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and ESA, whose generous funding and comprehensive support made this project possible.

Participation in the parabolic flight campaign was not only a scientific success, but also offered a unique experience that inspired the team and opened up new perspectives. The investigations make an important contribution to the further development of biomedical printing technology – both for applications on Earth and for future missions in space.