WARR Space Labs

Our goal is to enable and conduct experiments in a space environment, allowing for conditions that cannot be achieved on Earth, such as microgravity, to be provided and utilized.

Neurons on the International Space Station: Our Current Mission, ADDONISS

In December 2021, we, along with three other teams, won the Überflieger 2 competition organized by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Now, we have the opportunity to develop our experiment, ADDONISS, and operate it on the International Space Station (ISS) in March 2023!

About us

We are an interdisciplinary team of students from more than seven different fields of study, ranging from biochemistry to physics and computer science. What unites us is our shared fascination with space.

Our focus is on conducting experiments in microgravity. This unique environment offers a wide range of possibilities, particularly in biology and medicine, as well as in technological development. We aim to harness these conditions for our research.

Our work is made possible through participation in competitions, such as those organized by DLR and ESA, as well as the support of sponsors.

Interested?

We welcome all motivated and interested students to join us! Whether you have expertise in biochemistry, medicine, or biophysics to contribute to our experiment, or skills in mechanical engineering, engineering sciences, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, or related fields to support the planning, implementation, and final development of our hardware and software systems—there’s a place for you.

We also need support in organizational tasks, PR and social media, fundraising and sponsorship, as well as presenting our mission at various events.

Kick-offs

If you’re interested in joining our team and learning more about us, come to our Kick-Off event! We’re currently looking for someone with experience in PCB design.

Find more information on our Kick-Off page and on Instagram @warr.spacelabs.

Weightlessness or microgravity can be achieved in various ways. Facilities like the Bremen Drop Tower or parabolic flights provide short-duration microgravity for a few seconds, while the International Space Station (ISS) allows experiments to be conducted in microgravity for several weeks.

For specific experiments, the effects of altered gravity can also be simulated on Earth. This is achieved by continuously rotating the experiment using a clinostat or a “Random Positioning Machine” (RPM), effectively averaging the gravitational vector to zero over time.

Even though we all work on the same project, we have different teams dedicated to various aspects. To ensure everything runs smoothly, close collaboration is essential, and there are many overlaps between the subteams.

Assembly Team

The Assembly Team is responsible for the entire technical side of the experiment, ensuring that both hardware and software function seamlessly. Within the team, different working groups focus on specific subsystems, collaborating closely to guarantee smooth operation.

Biology Team

Since we are currently working on a biological experiment, we have a dedicated team handling all biological aspects. This includes research, lab work, and testing.

Administrative Team

Managing our projects involves a lot of organizational work. The Administrative Team is responsible for project planning, regulations, and finances, as well as documentation and media communication.