Dr. Ing. Christopf Lotz, Leibniz University Hannover:

Humanity is striving to conquer space for centuries. Currently every larger space agency works on plans to return to the moon and develop humanity into a multi-planetary species in the long term. At Leibniz University Hannover we are focused on quantum technologies as a core topic of the University as well as a key technique for future space missions. In mechanical engineering we set up a research group working on production technologies for the use in space (in transit and on ground). To perform experiments in micro- and partial gravity, we built an innovative third generation drop tower facility, the Einstein-Elevator. The Einstein-Elevator is an active driven platform to generate different gravity conditions with high repetition rates for large experimental setups. The required adjustable trajectory profiles are applied using high performance linear synchronous drives. In the Einstein-Elevator experiments can have a weight of 1,000 kg. In total a mass of 2,700 kg is accelerated with 5 g to 20 m/s within 0.5 s. During the subsequent vertical parabolic flight, the drive compensates precisely for air drag of the moving gondola and rolling resistance of the guidance rollers. Controlling a linear drive with 5 MW electrical power for high quality microgravity experiments is challenging but possible