Earth to Space and Space to Earth
Pioneering accessible microgravity and vacuum research in Costa Rica – Advancing science from our unique terrestrial platform.
Welcome to Summit Tower
Summit Tower is Costa Rica's first dedicated microgravity drop tower and vacuum research facility, designed to democratize space science and foster innovation. We provide a unique terrestrial platform for simulating extreme environments, making advanced research accessible to scientists, engineers, students, and industries.
Key Features at a Glance
Precision Microgravity
Experience ~2.47 seconds of high-quality free fall in our 30-meter drop tube, enabling detailed observation of phenomena uninhibited by Earth's gravity.
Ultra-High Vacuum
Our advanced system achieves pressures down to 10-7 mbar, crucial for simulating space conditions, minimizing drag, and preventing contamination.
Accessible Innovation
A cost-effective alternative to space missions, opening doors for diverse research in physics, biology, materials science, and aerospace engineering.
Our Vision: Empowering Discovery
Summit Tower is more than an infrastructure; it's a commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of research, education, and technological advancement in Costa Rica and for the global scientific community. We aim to be a catalyst for breakthroughs that benefit both terrestrial applications and future space exploration.
Learn More About Our MissionAbout Summit Tower: A New Frontier for Research
The Facility: Simulating Space on Earth
The Summit Project is Costa Rica's premier facility designed to simulate microgravity conditions and serve as a cutting-edge vacuum research center. Our core infrastructure features a 30-meter tall tower with a 50-centimeter internal diameter drop tube. This structure is engineered to host a sophisticated two-stage vacuum system, capable of achieving ultra-high vacuum levels down to 10-7 mbar.
Our Genesis & Vision: Bridging the Gap
Summit Tower was conceived to address a critical need for accessible, high-fidelity, and local alternatives for space-related research in Central America. It stands as a testament to Costa Rican ingenuity, offering a platform for students, educators, and professionals to test, explore, and advance scientific understanding.
Core Objectives
- To democratize access to advanced scientific research in microgravity and vacuum sciences.
- To provide a robust, reliable, and cost-effective solution for testing space-bound technologies.
- To serve as a dynamic hub for collaboration between academia, space agencies, and private innovators.
- To enhance experimental innovation capabilities across various scientific disciplines within Central America.
- To be a cornerstone in the advancement of space science, technology, and high-tech education in Costa Rica.
Our Broader Impact
Catalyzing Technological Innovation
By simulating space conditions, we empower researchers to unlock new frontiers of knowledge, test novel technologies, and develop innovative solutions.
Empowering Education & Talent
The facility serves as a hands-on learning environment, inspiring a new generation of scientists and boosting local STEM capacity.
Enhancing Economic Competitiveness
We offer significant cost-efficiency for space-related experiments, making advanced research more feasible and attractive for international collaboration.
Advancing Scientific Discovery
Controlled UHV and microgravity enable high-precision measurements crucial for validating theoretical models and driving fundamental breakthroughs.
Research & Testing Services
Accelerate your innovation from concept to market. We offer a range of drop packages to suit your research needs, providing an ideal environment to prototype, test, and validate new technologies at a fraction of the cost of space missions.
Atmospheric Drop (Academic)
$500 USD
- Set of 5 individual drops
- Standard atmospheric pressure conditions
- Ideal for educational projects & foundational research
- Full data retrieval support
Atmospheric Drop (Commercial)
$750 USD
- Set of 5 individual drops
- Standard atmospheric pressure conditions
- Designed for industry R&D & product validation
- Priority scheduling & technical consultation
Vacuum Drop (Academic)
$5,000 USD
- Set of 5 individual drops
- Ultra-High Vacuum (<10-7 mbar) conditions
- Simulates space environment for advanced research
- Includes full vacuum pump-down cycle
Vacuum Drop (Commercial)
$7,500 USD
- Set of 5 individual drops
- Premium Ultra-High Vacuum (<10-7 mbar) conditions
- Optimal for sensitive aerospace/tech development
- Includes dedicated engineering support
Book Your Drop Experiment
Complete the form below to begin the booking process. Our team will review your submission and contact you to finalize the details of your experiment, including technical requirements and scheduling.
Fostering Collaboration & Partnerships
Summit Tower is driven by a dedicated vision to advance research and foster a collaborative scientific community. We are committed to building strong alliances with academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry.
Our Valued Collaborators
We are proud to work with leading organizations and innovators who share our vision.
Red PlaNet
Aerospace & Engineering Organization
An organization dedicated to advancing space-related technologies and research initiatives within the region.
Star-One
Engineering Startup
An innovative engineering startup focused on developing specialized research equipment and advanced automation machines.
Texas Tech University Costa Rica
Academic & Business Advisor
Providing critical business advising and project support through its various departments to ensure the strategic success of the project.
CFIA
Engineering & Aerospace Commission
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects provides expert project and engineering advisory through its Aerospace Commission.
Join Us in Building the Future
Summit Tower is a community initiative. We invite institutions, organizations, and private enterprises to collaborate and help maximize its scientific and educational impact for Costa Rica and the world.
Become a Sponsor
Your financial or in-kind sponsorship can directly fund key milestones, component acquisition, or construction phases. Help us build this unique national asset.
Explore SponsorshipForge a Partnership
Engage in joint R&D programs, contribute to student training pipelines, or validate new technologies. We seek robust partnerships to enhance research quality.
Discuss PartnershipJoin the Mission: Talent & Expertise
As Summit Tower progresses, opportunities for skilled engineers, technicians, and researchers will emerge. Express your interest in contributing your expertise.
Express InterestConnect With Summit Tower
Whether you have a general question, wish to explore partnership opportunities, or need to support our mission, we're eager to hear from you.
Contact Information
Facility Location
Costa Rica
(The specific location is part of ongoing development.)