One of the biggest questions I have been asked is: “How is the zero-g experience created?” This post will seek to answer that question.
First, let me introduce you to the plane that makes it possible: G-FORCE ONE!
Photo courtesy of Zero-G Corp.
G-FORCE ONE is a modified Boeing 727-200. The 727-200 is a common aircraft in many commercial fleets of today, which makes it a desireable craft to use since it is easy to get parts and most large airports can accomodate it with their existing runways. NOTE: NASA doesn’t use a 727 to train the astronauts or conduct experiments, but the next section explains the process, which is similar regardless of aircraft type.
Parabolic Flight
The zero-g or weightless environment on G-FORCE ONE is created using parabolic flight. The “super pilots” (specially trained) fly a series of maneuvers resembling a group of rolling hills. The pilots perform the parabolas in a designated airspace away from other air traffic patterns and populated areas. The FAA assigns this airspace, which is usually over the open water or ocean. (NOTE: This is to avoid many calls to emergency call centers and air traffic controllers. This was learned the hard way during early testing before the Zero-G Corporation was awarded the proper designations to perform these flights commercially.)
During the first 20 seconds of the maneuver, the plane pulls up to approximately 50° “nose high.” Next the plane is pushed “over the top” to create a zero-gravity portion of the parabola. This weightless period lasts between 25-30 seconds. Everything that isn’t braced or tied down, including the flyers (passengers) is floating around. At approximately 45° “nose low,” the pilots gently begin to pull out of the parabola as flyers stabilize on the aircraft floor. The maneuver is repeated and as the plane begins to pull up again the g-force increases to 1.8Gs or nearly double the earth’s gravity. This means at this point you would feel as though you weigh nearly double what you weigh now. The flyers experience 12-15 parabolas which amounts to nearly 6 minutes of weightlessness!
