Visit to the IDR microgravity simulation platform

Today was a very special day for our team. We had the honour of visiting the Ignacio Da Riva Microgravity University Institute (IDR) at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). The centre is recognised worldwide for its research and development work in microgravity conditions.

Our visit focused on the IDR’s air bearing, an advanced test platform that simulates microgravity conditions with great precision. This system will allow us to test our Attitude Control System (ACS), a key component for the stability and orientation of our satellites.

What interested us most was the technology behind the air bearing. The device virtually eliminates friction thanks to a film of pressurised air, which allows free, frictionless movement. Being able to reproduce a microgravity environment on Earth is essential for our tests, and seeing this technology at work was truly inspiring.

We would like to thank the UPM School of Aeronautical and Space Engineering, and especially the Ignacio Da Riva Microgravity University Institute (IDR), for making these facilities available to us. Their support and collaboration are invaluable for our research and development.

We feel very fortunate to be able to work in such an innovative environment and look forward to continuing our collaboration. Thank you for such a rewarding experience!