Gravitilab Announces World First for Space Tech

The innovative leader in space technology, Gravitlab Aerospace Services Ltd, has announced a world first in microgravity research and testing.

At the Predannack Airfield UAV test site, Cornwall, the company has successfully paved the way for a new era of microgravity access on Earth by developing the first-ever commercial microgravity service using its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

This revolutionary test, which opens up the world of microgravity research to a new market, was commissioned by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership to support their quest to lead innovation in the UK space industry and deliver the UK’s space and aerospace and aerospace services.

Gravitilab’s UAV solution ascended to 2,000 feet and then released the payload in its patent-protected drop pod “LOUIS”, achieving a period of microgravity – a world first for creating a sustained microgravity environment with a UAV system.

Today’s development is a step toward transforming testing in every industry, from cosmetics to satellites, to provide timely and cost-effective access to zero-gravity environments.

Zero-gravity environments offer far superior research and testing conditions that have proven scientific and commercial benefits. Making microgravity so much more accessible allows Gravitilab to offer unique R&D conditions for industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, building materials, communications, space technology and climate science.

“This is a fantastic team effort for Gravitilab, the Cornwall Space Cluster and the UK space industry as a whole,” said Rob Adlard, Gravitilab CEO and Technical Director.

“The only option for terrestrial microgravity testing so far has been to wait several years for access to a drop tower in Germany that will deliver two seconds of microgravity. Our service can be provided on-site, is more cost-effective and as a result of our demonstration flight, we are on track to offer 5-20 seconds of high-quality microgravity with our LOUIS UAV system.”

Gail Eastaugh, Director of the Cornwall Space Cluster: “We are delighted to have been able to support the success of this world first in microgravity testing from Cornwall. The Cornwall Space Cluster exists to unleash innovation in the space sector and companies like Gravitilab are paving the way for the future of the industry.”

Gravitilab, which is currently in talks with new investors, has so far been funded by the UK Space Agency and private capital. The company strives to use its innovative technology to unlock the supply chain to support the unstoppable growth of the space economy. The ‘Space as a Service’ offering is at the heart of the UK’s space strategy and brings significant commercial benefits to a wide range of customers.

Media Inquiries:

Gravitilab: Annabel Clementson +447951786435 / [email protected]d.com
Cornwall Space Cluster – Customer Director, Georgia Jaggs, [email protected]

About Gravilab

Gravitilab Aerospace Services Ltd is an aerospace engineering company providing specialist research, testing and qualification services in the UK and internationally. Gravitilab uses proprietary technology including hybrid-powered suborbital rockets, drop pods and an innovative payload system to facilitate flexible access to specialized environments. It is in the process of completing its initial development phases, beginning to roll out its commercial services and seeking funding to support growth to breakeven.

Trading since 2019, Gravitilab has already achieved many milestones unmatched by more established space companies. These achievements include developing its own fleet of suborbital launch vehicles, building a bespoke in-house hybrid engine test facility and conducting commercial atmospheric launches in the UK. The company’s intellectual property includes missile designs, propulsion systems, recovery systems and a wealth of data and procedural knowledge. Gravitilab has established relationships with established industry bodies and institutions including the UK’s main space agency, the Civil Aviation Authority and both the UK and European space agencies. It has also built a pipeline of dozens of potential commercial, defense and scientific clients in the UK and overseas.

Georgia Jaggs
Campaigns and Customer Service Director: Halo PR & Communications
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