Recently, three members of ESA’s newest astronaut class got hands-on with this key research equipment, familiarising themselves with the European-made gloveboxes used aboard the International Space Station. These tools, housed in ESA’s Columbus science laboratory, provide a sterile and controlled workspace for experiments in materials science, biotechnology, fluid science, combustion, or crystal growth.
During ESA’s latest parabolic flight campaign, ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan, John McFall, a member of the ESA astronaut reserve and an expert involved in the Fly! Feasibility Study, and ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański worked with glovebox mock-ups to simulate tasks performed in microgravity. These replicas, based on the Biolab and the Microgravity Science Glovebox from the Space Station, provided them with the opportunity to perform typical tasks within the gloveboxes, simulating research operations in microgravity.
Parabolic flights, which create brief periods of weightlessness lasting around 22 seconds, offer an invaluable opportunity to practice complex tasks in conditions similar to those in space. Handling glovebox equipment in these conditions presents unique challenges. Gloves limit dexterity, and any unsecured object can float away, potentially disrupting experiments.
European Microgravity Science Glovebox on the International Space Station. Credits: ESA/NASA
The campaign also highlighted the differences between the larger Microgravity Science Glovebox, where loose tools can drift more easily, and the compact Biolab glovebox, where working with tightly packed items requires precision. This hands-on experience ensures the participants can confidently manage equipment and maintain smooth operations in a weightless environment.
“It’s been truly eye-opening to practice with the gloveboxes, performing tasks like transferring and labelling samples –something simple enough in 1g, but much more challenging when both you and the samples are floating in weightlessness! Every movement needs control, and you can experiment with different techniques to keep yourself stable. I’ve really enjoyed getting into the mindset of conducting real science on the Space Station, and I can see improvements as training progresses, which is incredibly rewarding”, says Rosemary.
ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan working with the glovebox during a parabolic flight. Credits: Novespace
“Parabolic flight campaigns are an incredible way to prepare for the unique challenges of working in space. Testing the glovebox in microgravity provided valuable insights into how we can perform precise, delicate operations under weightless conditions. These training sessions bridge the gap between ground-based preparation and the realities of space, enabling us to adapt our techniques and refine our skills. It’s truly inspiring to work on this European experiment contributing to scientific and technological advancements in space”, adds Sławosz.
ESA project astronaut Sławosz Uznański working with the glovebox during a parabolic flight campaign. Credits: ESA/Novespace
Insights from glovebox research extend beyond space, benefiting healthcare and materials development on Earth. For example, during his Huginn mission, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen contributed to ESA’s Transparent Alloys research project in the Microgravity Science Glovebox , studying organic compounds to develop lighter, stronger, self-healing materials for industrial use.
“Taking part in this parabolic flight was a fantastic opportunity to engage with spaceflight equipment, further understanding how, in the context of my disability, I can work in a microgravity environment. Working with the gloveboxes also highlights how essential this technology is for future space missions and life on Earth. It really makes you contemplate the great research that has been, and is still being, conducted on the Space Station, helping us better understand materials, biology, and fluids in space, paving the way for advancements in space exploration and daily life”, reflects John.
Member of the ESA astronaut reserve John McFall during an ESA parabolic flight campaign. Credits: Novespace