Microgravity simulation for space exploration and mineral farming

The Developing a microgravity simulation platform using jet aircraft project, with Swinburne University and Elektrika has been completed, and its final report is available for download below. A copy of the project’s final report is available for download below.

This project aimed to develop a new simulation methodology which reliably replicated zero gravity space conditions in a safe and economically sound manner in order to encourage innovation and research into space exploration.

Background

Space exploration is a fast-paced, competitive sector fuelled by investment, technological advancements and scientific discovery and Australia has emerged as a notable global player in this realm. The world’s population growth has given rise to real global challenges that include a looming energy crisis, food scarcity and resource depletion and researchers posit it is now evident that space exploration and experimentation will be required to secure our future.

Conducting experiments in real space is extremely complicated and expensive.   Real space conditions include microgravity, sometimes called zero gravity, which     is encountered in space or within places which fall freely under the influence of gravity.

Microgravity studies

Researchers have developed new ground-based technologies in order to understand and experiment in microgravity. This essential experimentation has fuelled the rise of the microgravity industry which is crucial for scientific research with implications for technology, health, future space missions and more.

To simulate microgravity, space flight researchers have developed ground-based testing environments. These technologies include parabolic flights, drop towers and space related virtual reality experiences amongst others, providing essential insight which is otherwise impossible to gain on earth with its distortive gravitational effects.

While providing these benefits, researchers note that both ground- and space-based testing environments still present challenges.

Mineral farming in microgravity

One pioneering area of interest for research is mineral farming in microgravity. Microgravity mineral farming may indeed help lay the foundations for efficient, low-gravity mining and resource utilisation which help alleviate resource scarcity on earth.

Free from gravitational considerations, innovative resource harvesting techniques could cultivate and extract valuable resources from celestial bodies. While this offers significant potential benefits, researchers warn that future terrestrial mining could present complex challenges which demand the use of sustainable practices, technological innovation and responsible resource management for stable, safe social and economic outcomes.

Advancing space exploration with microgravity

Microgravity in human spaceflight is multifaceted providing a unique (and essential) environment to advance scientific discovery, fuel innovation and assist in the human adaption required for extended space missions.

Microgravity is fundamental for researchers to understand the effect of weightlessness on the human body, spacecraft design and efficient space utilisation. As one example, researchers know extended periods in microgravity causes detrimental changes within the human body, however deep space exploration involves complex, long-duration missions that extend well beyond earth.

Understanding and mitigating the physical effects on astronauts is essential for deep space exploration. Microgravity plays a similarly pivotal role in spacecraft design, influencing and informing everything from placement of controls and equipment to living quarter layout and beyond.

Validation of the matrix model as a benchmarking standard for aircraft simulation in microgravity

To tackle challenges of the microgravity environment, researchers developed a matrix model that prioritises understanding microgravity and its impact on aircraft performance. The main components of this work included:

• Design and implementation of an aircraft performance model
• Design of an intelligent safety analysis model
• Framework to incorporate tacit knowledge to replicate real world conditions
• Comprehensive risk analysis

The model developed for this project integrates multi-domain dynamics and high-fidelity simulations of aircraft behaviours under normal and extreme conditions.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and simulation methods were employed to establish performance benchmarks across various flight parameters    including speed, ascent, and safety features amongst others helping improve pilot training, aircraft systems and performance characteristics while unearthing any critical safety concerns.

An array of simulation studies validated efficacy and insights and provided a robust set of variables for in depth risk analysis,

The framework was shown to provide uniform quantifiable benchmarking that can  be applied across different platforms and mission types as a standard for simulating aircraft behaviours and control in microgravity conditions. In addition to providing a practical foundation for next phase hardware validation and standards engagement.

Recommendations for further work

Model refinement

Current modelling framework demonstrates predictive accuracy and adaptive control performance, further refinement is required to ensure scalability, trustworthiness and sustained performance under operational variability in order to:

• Improve generalisation across aircraft configurations and mission profiles
• Enhance computational efficiency and numerical stability for near real time execution
• Increase interpretability of AI-driven decision making
• Strengthen fault tolerance and graceful degradation under partial system failure

Technological advances in autonomous systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven mathematical modelling will help equip next generation aerospace platforms with the intelligence to operate autonomously and adaptively under extreme conditions.

 Deployment strategy

Researchers recommend a three phased deployment strategy to manage risk and build stakeholder confidence.

• Stage 1: offline deployment with high fidelity simulation environments
• Stage 2: operation of the system in shadow mode alongside existing avionics and monitoring systems
• Stage 3: assisted operation where AI outputs are integrated as decision support tools

Industry feedback

To understand human factors and deliver meaningful value in real-world operational context, industry feedback is essential.

Researchers recommend employing mixed-methods methodology to balance breadth and depth of insights. Modes should include structured and semi-structured surveys, workshops and live demonstrations plus capture simulation information across each of the stages listed above.

Conclusions

This report completes the transition from advanced AI-driven performance modelling to an industry oriented, deployment ready framework for sustainable real world impact.

The model preserves role-specific insights across the operating eco-system and facilitates systems that support faster, safer integration of new technologies to support a range of training capabilities and functions. Capabilities which provide       a comprehensive virtual environment for training, exploration, evaluation and certification.

Expected project impacts

This project demonstrates how advanced simulation, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and engineering informatics can be integrated to create a scalable and intelligent framework for microgravity research. By combining high-fidelity modelling with AI-driven decision support, the project establishes a pathway towards safer, more cost-effective validation of future aerospace technologies while reducing the barriers associated with microgravity experimentation.

As A/Prof. Ambarish Kulkarni said, “The project provides a strong foundation for future research, industry collaboration, technology commercialisation, and the development of next-generation engineering solutions that will strengthen Australia’s capability in aerospace and emerging technologies.”

Beyond space exploration, the methodologies developed through this project have broad applications in autonomous systems, safety-critical engineering, and digital engineering. As Dr. Venkata Yadla noted, the integration of simulation, AI and digital twins will help create more efficient and intelligent approaches to validating technologies for challenging microgravity environments, with potential benefits extending well beyond the immediate project.

Download the report

Download your copy of the final report, Development of a microgravity simulation platform using light jet aircraft, by clicking the button below.