NASA calls for innovative Parabolic Flight Services to boost access to reduced‑gravity research

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California has issued a market‑research Request for Information (RFI) aimed at expanding the agency’s Flight Opportunities program. The RFI seeks input from commercial and academic entities capable of providing Parabolic Flight Services that deliver microgravity and reduced‑gravity environments for technology testing and scientific experiments.

The RFI, released Thursday, is not a formal contract offer; rather, it is a fact-finding exercise designed to map the current and emerging capabilities of the aerospace industry. Respondents are asked to submit capability statements that outline how they would meet NASA’s technical and operational requirements, with a particular emphasis on “novel or non-traditional flight platforms.”

NASA’s Flight Opportunities program traditionally relies on a fleet of modified agency aircraft that fly a series of steep climbs and dives—known as “parabolas”—to create short bursts of weightlessness lasting up to 25 seconds or more. While these flights have supported a range of research, from fluid dynamics to human physiology, the agency is now looking to diversify its options.

Interested parties are encouraged to provide technical documentation, literature, brochures, and reference projects that demonstrate relevant experience. All submissions must be received no later than March 2.