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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.

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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

Director's Office

Prof. Dr. Marc Avila

Annette Leonhardt
+49 421 218 - 57827

Maria Petrogiannis
+49 421 218 - 57826

directorate

Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert

Nina Täuber
+49 421 218 - 57992

nina.taeuber

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Technical Directors Dr. Thorben Könemann | Dr. Merle Cornelius Ulrich Kaczmarczik | Simon Mawn CEOs Prof. Dr. Marc Avila | Peter von Kampen ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company HR and Student Contracts Maria Petrogiannis | Stephanie Dackow Safety and Laser Protection Holger Faust | Michael Peters Finances and Purchasing Cornelia Biebow | Sabine Vogelsang IT Department Thorsten Coordes | Oliver Daroszewski Student Advisory Service MSc. Space Engineering Prof. Dr. Rodion Groll | Maria Petrogiannis (office) Accounting and Controlling Urte Anders | Irina Schön Corporate Communication Dr. Lucie-Patrizia Arndt | Birgit Kinkeldey Directorate Office Annette Leonhardt | Maria Petrogiannis | Nina Täuber Directorate Support and Administration Laboratory of Applied Space Microbiology Dr. Cyprien Verseux Multiphase Flows Dr. André Pingel Micro Satellite Systems and Modeling Methods Prof. Dr. Benny Rievers Hyper-G-Centrifuge Holger Oelze Combustion Engineering Dr. Florian Meyer Quantum Optics and Experimental Gravitation PD Dr. Sven Herrmann MaMBA - Moon and Mars Base Analog Dr. Christiane Heinicke Gravitational Theory PD Dr. Eva Hackmann Quantum Technologies Dr. Jens Grosse Thermofluid Dynamics Prof. Dr. Rodion Groll Photoelectrocatalysis Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert Fluid Simulation and Modeling Prof. Dr. Marc Avila Scientific Research Groups Professorships Prof. Dr. Marc Avila Head of Department of Fluid Mechanics Head of Department of Human Space Exploration Technologies Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert Prof. Dr. Rodion Groll Thermofluid Dynamics Directorate Directors Deputy Director Prof. Dr. Marc Avila | Prof. Dr. Katharina Brinkert Prof. Dr. Benny Rievers Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) Department of Production Engineering, University of Bremen Office Mikka Pilath CEO Holger Oelze Friends of ZARM

FURTHER INFORMATION

Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM)

Universität Bremen
Am Fallturm 2
28359 Bremen, Germany

 

Points of contact:

  • | Job Offers

    Research Associate (m/f/d)

    In the project “Investigations of the Transfer and Refilling of a Spacecraft Tank with a Single-Component Two-Phase Fluid System under Compensated…

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  • | Job Offers

    Research Associate (m/f/d)

    In the project “Investigations of phase change processes of hydrogen at variable accelerations in relation to future spacecraft - cavitation, boiling,…

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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 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.