WA scientists are preparing to experience zero gravity for a landmark mission testing research that could one day support life on Mars.

In a deal between the University of Western Australia and the French Space Agency CNES, a Perth-based team will become the first all-Australian scientific crew to take part in a large-scale parabolic flight this October.

The researchers will board a specially modified Airbus A310, designed to simulate zero gravity.

The aircraft creates weightlessness by flying in steep arcs, briefly entering freefall.

Each manoeuvre gives those on board about 30 seconds of zero gravity, with the team set to complete more than 90 of these during the mission.

For the scientists, the experience will closely mirror astronaut training.

They will float in the same aircraft used by Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg during her training with the European Space Agency.

During the flight, the team will test an experiment led by Professor Hongqi Sun, focused on a process called chemical catalysis.

The goal is to use sunlight to convert methane and carbon dioxide into syngas, which can be used to produce fuel and other essential materials.

“By flying our experiment in weightlessness, we aim to understand how gravity affects this process,” Professor Sun said.

“This could enable future astronauts to produce fuel and materials from local resources on missions to places like Mars, and help optimise chemical manufacturing on Earth.”

UWA International Space Centre director Professor Danail Obreschkow said the mission marked a major step forward for Australia’s space capabilities.

“Strategically, this mission will pave the way for sustained access to large, crewed microgravity flights for Australian researchers,” he said.

“It brings enormous benefits to WA research, industry, and STEM inspiration.”

The mission will also include opportunities for students, with two university places available, giving young Australians the chance to take part in zero-gravity research.