Parabolic flights provide short periods of 'weightlessness', offering a quick way to test things in microgravity with humans. Researchers use them for short-duration, hands-on scientific and technological investigations, such as training astronauts and validating instruments before they fly to the International Space Station.

ESA is now opening these unique aircraft doors to two types of experiment, for up-and-coming new technologies in a changing space sector: technological and commercial.