The projects aims to synthesize new functional hybrid aerogels with nonlinear optical properties by incorporation of nano to micron sized particles of piezo-, ferro-, pyro- or photorefractive character into a transparent matrix composed of a nanostructured silica aerogel. It is expected that either a spatially homogeneous distribution of these particles having sizes from a few nanometers to a few microns can be achieved by gelation under reduced gravity conditions possibly with the additional application of electric fields. The project aims to test in parabolic flights a new facility developed for gelation under reduced gravity conditions and also to prepare first hybrid aerogels