7
$\begingroup$

I have read somewhere that to-be astronauts are trained on Earth to be deft enough when they are in space which has zero gravity. How do we create a zero gravity situation on Earth? On Earth, even if you are in a vacuum, you still experience the force of gravity, so exactly how do we engineer such a situation which actually defies gravity on Earth itself?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ For researching the effects of micro-gravity (0g) or partial-gravity (between 0g and 1g) also a Sounding Rocket, a Clinostat or a Random Positioning Machine can be used. $\endgroup$
    – Matthijs
    Oct 24, 2017 at 8:59
  • $\begingroup$ Technically, even in orbit you experience gravity. It just appears that you don't. $\endgroup$
    – Innovine
    Jun 5, 2022 at 10:15

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
15
$\begingroup$

There are two methods which are used:

  1. Aircraft can fly on a trajectory that will simulate zero gravity for a few seconds, usually around 30. This is used for most short term zero gravity tests. It is commonly known as the "vomit comet", especially the earlier versions.
  2. Underwater testing can be done, in a neutral buoyancy lab. Basically, you make it so you weigh as much as the water you displace does, making it so you "float" in zero gravity. If you pushed away from something, you would continue to move (Although being in water, you have drag and swimming that could move you as well)

Both are approximations, but they do work well enough to do something at least.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
6
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ More information about the "zero gravity" aircraft is available on Wikipedia. This technique was also used for filming zero-gravity scenes in space movies (e.g. Apollo 13). $\endgroup$
    – Lightsider
    Oct 29, 2015 at 8:43
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ It's also known as the vomit comet. $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Oct 29, 2015 at 8:55
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ For unmanned experiments, a drop tower can also be used, if the experiment can be made to survive the drop. $\endgroup$
    – Hobbes
    Oct 29, 2015 at 15:57
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ For frogstronauts, magnetic levitation can also be used. Because the diamagnetic lifting force is distributed throughout the body, it feels like it's in freefall. $\endgroup$
    – pericynthion
    Oct 29, 2015 at 17:08
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Gravity_Research_Facility $\endgroup$
    – Deer Hunter
    Nov 2, 2015 at 11:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.