Flying in zero gravity was a thrilling experience. Our jet kept flying up and down in the air in a pattern of waves or hills. When we reached the top of each hill, or parabola, we were weightles for about 20 seconds. People keep asking me what it felt like. At the moment the airplane hits the top of the parabola, your stomach feels funny-just like it does on a roller coaster at the top of the rise. But then, it doesn't "feel" any different than normal. The difference is, you can go anywhere. You can shoot to the ceiling, or cruise down the length of the airplane, or spin in a circle with a little help from a friend. Here is some video of what it looked like to be weightless.
The first time we were weightless, our guide told us to hang on to the rail and get the feel of the experience before we attempted to move around. I think they were afraid we would all launch ourselves enthusiastically up to the ceiling. We were a very energetic group! However, we
listened to the instructions for our first parabola.
Later, we got more adventurous. Our handlers tried to take photos of us and spin us at the same time. When you spin in zero-g, you don't get dizzy and the blood doesn't rush to your head when you are upside down. It all feels very natural and comfortable.
Once we got used to being weightless, the soldiers who were handling us began passing us like basketballs. I think they were having as much fun as we were on this flight!
Just when we thought it couldn't get any more fun, they posed us for this "group float." This entire experience was fantastic!
Welcome to SpaceQuest!
Welcome to Space Quest! My name is Sharon Brewster. I am a fifth grade teacher who grew up during the space age. As a child, I watched men ride rockets of fire and it ignited in me a fascination with space exploration. My goal is to pass this fascination on to my students, and to children and adults everywhere. On this site, you will find activities, lessons, stories, and links to a variety of sites all connected to space exploration. You can learn about the early star voyagers who blasted off into the unknown, and you can recreate that experience by entering a simulation. Whether you want to be an astronaut or just want to learn about them, there is something here for you!
SpaceQuest Camera Feed
Calling all kids, join the Space Program!
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States were vying for control of space. Although the United States achieved the ultimate success of landing men on the Moon, the Soviets dazzled the world with a series of space "firsts." Unfortunately, because of the Cold War, America's public knew little of these achievements, but they are worthy of recognition. The Soviets were the first to launch an animal, a man, and then a woman into space. A Russian was the first to spacewalk outside his space craft, and the first space station was Russian. These are only a few of the Soviet space successes that you can explore on this site.
Starting October 6, 2008, you can watch Soviet space exploration as it unfolds. SpaceQuest and I will be traveling to Russia and Kazakhstan to visit inside the Russian space program and will be sending photos and video of the trip. See Russian Mission Control. Visit Star City, where the cosmonauts live and train. Witness the rollout of the Soyuz rocket in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Meet the International Space Station Expedition 18 crew as they prepare for their mission. Experience the launch of the crew and their docking with the International Space Station. An incredible journey continues, and you can be part of it!
Starting October 6, 2008, you can watch Soviet space exploration as it unfolds. SpaceQuest and I will be traveling to Russia and Kazakhstan to visit inside the Russian space program and will be sending photos and video of the trip. See Russian Mission Control. Visit Star City, where the cosmonauts live and train. Witness the rollout of the Soyuz rocket in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Meet the International Space Station Expedition 18 crew as they prepare for their mission. Experience the launch of the crew and their docking with the International Space Station. An incredible journey continues, and you can be part of it!
Science & Space Trivia
Space Simulators & Games
What would you like to ask teacher Sharon to video while she is in Russia for the ISS expedition 18 launch?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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2 comments:
That is so cool! I am starting to get jealous.
from Henry, your former student.
Bob,
Thanks you visiting my blog. I responded to the comment you left. Come back and visit anytime.
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