Investigating how the human brain functions in weightlessness

This first parabolic flight campaign is part of a larger research project to explore how weightlessness affects brain structure and function, to further our understanding of the effect of spaceflight on human brain and behaviour. There was almost a year of preparation for the first parabolic flight campaign, with a two further parabolic flights in May and October 2025 in order to complete data collection.  

What is a parabolic flight?   

Parabolic flights, known as “zero-gravity” flights, offer researchers short periods of weightlessness, similar to what astronauts experience in space. Conducted on a modified aeroplane equipped with scientific instruments, these flights allow researchers from life and physical sciences to conduct experiments in zero-gravity like conditions. 

The aircraft follows a parabolic flight path, alternating between steep climbs and descents at 45-degree angles. Each parabola starts with a "pull-up" phase, where gravity doubles, followed by a "free-fall" that creates a brief weightless period. The cycle ends with a "pull-out" phase, again doubling the gravitational force. 

Each cycle lasts about 20 seconds, and the plane performs 31 parabolas during a three-hour flight, enabling researchers to conduct experiments not feasible on Earth. 

Preparing for parabolic flights  

Preparing for a parabolic flight campaign requires several months of work before the actual flight. The main focus is on setting up the experiment, including both configuration and design, to ensure it fits within the limited space on board. Health and safety procedures are also a top priority. While the experiment setup takes up most of the preparation time, attention is also given to ensuring that the experimenters are in good physical and mental condition. Parabolic flights can be a challenging - yet incredible - experience. 

The challenge of 20-second windows

Although the flight lasts hours, Professor Ferrè and her fellow researchers will only have brief 20-second windows of weightlessness in which to conduct experiments.  

The experiment is well controlled. In the week leading up to the flight, all experimental setups are securely mounted on the plane. Procedures are finalised beforehand to ensure the experiment runs as smoothly as possible. With only 20 seconds of weightlessness, every moment is crucial. As a result, the entire experiment becomes like a choreography, where each action is meticulously planned and rehearsed in advance. 

How parabolic flights can help neuroscience research

Professor Ferre’s experiment aims to understand the changes in brain structure and function during spaceflight. The study combines various neuroimaging techniques to assess how the brain adapts to zero-gravity and its effects on behaviour. The research team will collect both functional and structural MRI brain images before and after the flight, and combine this with electrophysiological recordings taken before, during, and after the flight. By integrating different neuroimaging methods, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human brain responds to changes in gravity. 

From Professor Ferre:

“Recent technological advancements and investments are opening a new era of space exploration, paving the way for sustainable lunar habitats, 10-minute space vacations, and the first human missions to Mars. However, space remains a hostile environment for human life. Future exploration missions will present far greater challenges to health and performance than those currently encountered.  

These challenges will include unprecedented distances, extended mission durations, isolation, and increasingly autonomous operations, along with prolonged exposure to non-terrestrial gravities. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how terrestrial and non-terrestrial gravities are represented in the brain and their effects on human behaviour and cognition, and Parabolic Flights are the ideal way to explore this.” 

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