Who we are
Based in Bremen, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is best known locally for its impressive Bremen Drop Tower – an architectural landmark. On a global scale, however, ZARM is recognized as a leading center for space research. It operates the world’s most successful microgravity laboratories and excels in quantum and gravitational physics, space-related fluid dynamics, and, more recently, in a wide range of research in space exploration.
More about us
Located at the University of Bremen, ZARM is an institute within the faculty of Production Engineering. More than 100 scientists conduct cutting-edge research using experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to explore fundamental scientific questions as well as to develop innovative technologies for space missions and microgravity experiments.
ZARM’s main laboratory, the Bremen Drop Tower, enables short-term microgravity experiments. Due to growing demand, ZARM expanded its capabilities with the GraviTower Bremen Pro, a next-generation microgravity lab. Both facilities are operated by the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company (ZARM Fallturm-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH), ensuring world-class research opportunities.
ZARM is dedicated to fostering young talent and offers educational outreach programs for students at all levels. A key focus is encouraging more girls to pursue STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), helping to bridge the gender gap in scientific research and engineering.
ZARM Directorate
When Prof. Dr. Marc Avila took over as the Director of the ZARM in 2016, he established new fields of research, a commitment to outreach and an environment for all ZARM employees that is based on cooperation, equal opportunities and allows more flexibility for their personal and family lives.
Since then, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) has kept growing. Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert joined the Directorate in 2024 and a dual leadership has been installed. Her globally recognized expertise and extensive international experience are a valuable addition to the ZARM team.
Both directors hold a Professorship in the Faculty of Production Engineering – Mechanical and Process Engineering – at the University of Bremen; Marc Avila for Fluid Mechanics and Katharina Brinkert for Human Space Exploration Technologies. Marc Avila is also the CEO of the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company.
CONTACT
Prof. Dr. Marc Avila
Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert
Director's Office
Annette Leonhardt
+49 421 218 - 57827
Maria Petrogiannis
+49 421 218 - 57826
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
FURTHER INFORMATION
Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM)
Universität Bremen
Am Fallturm 2
28359 Bremen, Germany
Points of contact:
- Directors' Office: +49 (0)421 218-57826 | directorate
- Visiting ZARM: +49 (0)421 218-57900 | visit
- Events in the top of the Drop Tower: +49 (0)421 218-57797 | fallturmspitze
- Accessibility: University of Bremen building plan
| Job OffersDoctoral researchers for the Cluster of Excellence (f/m/d)
more“The Martian Mindset” is a new Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bremen (starting Jan 1, 2026), seeking up to 20 doctoral researchers…
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moreStudent Assistant (m/f/d) needed. Development of a Data Pipeline for Experimental Data from Drop Tower. Experiments (Computer…
New technologies are increasingly shaping our everyday lives and it is the bright young minds of today who will help shape technological progress as the engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and IT experts of tomorrow. From the very beginning, ZARM has been committed to encouraging young people to pursue an education in the natural sciences and technology. Through the Friends of ZARM Association, we have been able to fulfill this socially important mission for more than 25 years.
Thanks to its members from cooperating companies, industrial partners, and private individuals, we are able to implement diverse support initiatives and to accompany and motivate young scientists on their professional careers. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to support the activities of the ZARM Förderverein e.V. (Friends of ZARM Association) with your membership or devote your attention to selected initiatives.
- Supporting student projects as part of school internships and STEM initiatives at ZARM
- Awarding scholarships to visiting students from abroad
- Friends of ZARM Award for outstanding Bachelor, Master or PhD theses
Steering Committee of the "Friends of ZARM Association" (Förderverein ZARM e.V.)
- President: Dr. Thomas Reiter
- Vice President: Sabine von der Recke, Member of the Management Board OHB System AG
- Vice President: Dr. Marc Steckling, Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
- Vice President: Dr. M. Fonger, Chamber of Commerce Bremen
- Secretary: Dr. Benny Rievers, ZARM University of Bremen
- Treasurer: Lennard Bauchwitz, Sparkasse Bremen AG
- Chief Executive Officer: H.W. Oelze, ZARM Technik AG
- Scientific Advisor: Prof. Dr. C. Lämmerzahl, ZARM University of Bremen
Contact:
Förderverein ZARM e.V.
Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen
förderverein
ZARM has a strong commitment to the international space community. We support a broad network of partners through memberships in various organizations and associations. It is our aim to link space research to capacity building initiatives as well as to endorse regional and international aerospace activities.
- AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V.
- Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft und Raumfahrt – Lilienthal – Oberth e.V. (DGLR)
- European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA)
- Freunde der Universität Bremen und der International University Bremen e.V. (unifreunde)
- Flugtechnische Vereinigung Heinrich Focke e.V. (FVHF)
- Gesellschaft von Freunden des DLR e.V.
- International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
- Technologiepark Bremen e.V.
- Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft der Freien Hansestadt Bremen e.V. (Wittheit zu Bremen)
- Women in Aerospace (WIA)
- Yuri’s Night Bremen e.V.
ZARM Highlights
August 2024
The ZARM is restructured and a dual leadership is installed. Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert joins the directorate and heads together with Prof. Dr. Marc Avila the institue. Prof. Dr. Benny Rievers is appointed as their deputy director.
June 2022
Inauguration of the GraviTower Bremen Pro as a second microgravity lab to complement the Bremen Drop Tower.
May 2018
Prof. Marc Avila becomes the CEO of the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company.
March 2016
Prof. Marc Avila holds the Chair in Fluid Dynamics at the Faculty of Production Engineering – Mechanical Engineering & Process Engineering – of the University of Bremen. He succeeds Prof. Hans Rath who had held the Chair for 31 years. By taking over the professorship in fluid dynamics he is also appointed head of the ZARM.
June 2013
A new ZARM management structure is temporarily established. The institute is now under the leadership of the three directors heading the major research branches at ZARM: space sciences (Prof. Claus Lämmerzahl), space technology (Prof. Claus Braxmaier) and fluid mechanics (Prof. Michael Dreyer). Prof. Claus Lämmerzahl is appointed Executive Director and Prof. Claus Braxmaier Deputy Executive Director of ZARM.
September 2012
ZARM mourns Director General Hans Rath who passed away following a short but severe illness at the age of 65. Prof. Claus Lämmerzahl is appointed Acting Director of ZARM and Director of ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company.
August 2012
Prof. Claus Braxmaier is appointed Professor for Space Technologies at the University of Bremen. The Chair sponsored by Christa and Manfred Fuchs is located at the ZARM in the Department of Production Engineering.
March 2011
Peter von Kampen becomes CFO of the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company.
March 2005
Inauguration and initial operation of the 30 g centrifuge.
December 2004
Inauguration of the catapult system of the Drop Tower. First catapult flight was initiated by the Federal Minister of Education and Research Edelgard Bulmahn.
April 2004
Inauguration of the combustion laboratory building and initial operation of the Hot Wind Tunnel.
May 1997
Foundation of ZARM-Technik GmbH, a spin-off from ZARM for the commercialization of space technology products and scientific and technical services. ZARM-Technik GmbH becomes the corporation ZARM-Technik AG in 2005.
September 1990
Foundation of the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company and inauguration of the Drop Tower by Hans J. Rath. Release of the first drop experiment by the Federal Minister of Education and Research Dr. Heinz Riesenhuber.
June 1989
Foundation of the „ZARM-Förderverein e.V.“ for the support of young scientists and students.
September 1985
Foundation of the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) as a scientific unit (institute) of the Department of Production Engineering at the University of Bremen by Hans J. Rath.
ZARM Founder
Prof. Hans Rath, founder of the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), served as General Manager from 1985 until his death in 2012. He was also director of ZARM Fallturm-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH, chairman of the supervisory board of ZARM Technik AG and deputy chairman of the supervisory board of OHB Technology AG.
At the University of Bremen, he was Professor of Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics, Space Technology and Microgravity and held the Chair of Fluid Mechanics in the Department of Production Engineering - Mechanical and Process Engineering. In his research, Hans Rath focused on the experimental and theoretical study of flows under microgravity, combustion science and technology, and space technology.
