Poll of the Week: Microgravity

By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

Microgravity is the condition that exists when the only force acting on an object is gravity.  That, at least, is a classical definition.  Microgravity has several names, like weightlessness, zero-g, and freefall.  But enthusiasts have another term for it: air time.  We all experience it in our daily routines when an elevator drops suddenly or the bus drives over a bump or hill.  You also feel it on the playground, specifically on the swings.  You know, you pump up as high as you can, and as reach the top of your arc, you feel things go momentarily slack before you begin you downward swing.  Thrill seekers have sought ways to lengthen that time, from the development of roller coasters and drop towers to bungee jumping to sport skydiving.  The ultimate will be the upcoming flights of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo taking passengers on a 15 minute suborbital hop.  One day in the not-distant future, tourists will launch to orbiting resorts and experience an unlimited microgravity environment.

Last weeks' poll asked OLC members where they have experienced the most microgravity.  Over half chose "Roller Coaster", which was to be expected.  These are popular rides at amusement parks across the country, and compete in offering the longest, most thrilling ride.  Next came drop towers, essentially falling elevators.  OLC members commented

Space Shot in USSRC. Very cool ride!!
 

Tower of Terror at Disney World--drops you faster than gravity's acceleration!

The comment on the Tower of Terror is correct - to enhance the thrill the car you ride is pulled down faster than a free fall.  The mechanism is programed to travel up and down the shaft in many different ways, offering different experiences each time you ride.  One segment offers a true vertical 'parabola', where a free fall trajectory is mechanically induced offering the longest amount of continuous air time I've experienced (outside of the Vomit Comet, that is)!

Some OLC members have experienced microgravity aboard aircraft, albeit unintentionally:

The most microgravity I've ever felt was when I was flying and volcanic ash stalled the plane engine and it started to free fall. Luckily, as it was falling, the ash came out and the engine started up again. It was great!


While it is not something we would hope for, after the event when all are safe it could be a pretty cool experience!

This week, we ask your opinion on NASA's budget for aeronautics (the first 'A' in NASA!) and if you think it is enough.  Make your selection, then let us know why you chose that on the Discussion Board!