Orbital Paradigm is currently developing an innovative recurring and reusable platform for microgravity research in low Earth orbit: The company is building a specially developed free flyer with return capability that will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and enable small to medium-sized experiments in microgravity for a period of up to two to six months in the future. This experiment duration provides an ideal basis for a wide range of research activities in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Within specialized research campaigns, scientists can develop new materials in microgravity that cannot be created under conventional terrestrial conditions. Revolutionary opportunities are also opening up in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, for example for investigating cell growth and drug effects in microgravity. These conditions are crucial for developing innovative products and processes that open up completely new fields of application on Earth.

As part of the MAAT (Microgravity Assembly for Acceleration Testing) project, a highly sensitive sensor package is being developed for use on board the orbiter. This system will record accelerations, rotation rates and other relevant parameters in real time during the entire campaign period. The data collected during a campaign in Earth orbit will be used to precisely characterize and evaluate the quality and stability of microgravity. On the other hand, the experience gained will be used to further develop the measurement system and to evaluate experiments in the Einstein Elevator in greater detail.

The project represents a collaboration between the Institute of Transport and Automation Technology (ITA) at Leibniz Universität Hannover and Orbital Paradigm.

About the naming/history: MAAT is also the ancient Egyptian goddess of truth and justice. The heart of every deceased person was weighed against one of her feathers. If it was a decent life, the scales were balanced so that the person was granted eternal life in the afterlife.