Full figure (108 kB)Fig. 1. During our “Test Readiness Review,” the Vomit Comet's flight crew, ground crew, and flight surgeons inspected every piece of experimental hardware for flight worthiness. First citation in article
Full figure (66 kB)Fig. 2. After passing the TRR, our student team loaded our experiment aboard the Vomit Comet. First citation in article
Full figure (61 kB)Fig. 3. During our flight, we used VELCRO® belts to hold us in place while conducting our experiment. Researchers wore olive-colored flight suits while NASA personnel and videographers wore blue flight suits. For safety, each team of flyers was closely monitored by several NASA personnel who made sure our feet were oriented to the floor of the C9 whenever the plane reached the bottom of its arc. (Photo courtesy of NASA) First citation in article
Full figure (27 kB)Fig. 4. One parabolic arc in the flight of the Vomit Comet. After reaching an altitude of 25,000 ft, the C9 climbs to 35,000 ft, at a 45° angle, creating the ~25-s period of 2 g. After going “over the top,” the C9 drops back to an altitude of 25,000 ft, creating the ~25-s period of microgravity. This maneuver is repeated 42 times. (Photo courtesy of NASA) First citation in article
Full figure (41 kB)Fig. 5. NASA encouraged each team to focus on their experiment, but to also allot some time to enjoy microgravity. NASA asked each flyer to plan “a fun moment” for his/her flight—a simple but fun thing that each flyer could do to remember the flight. I floated my digital camera in microgravity and activated its timer to take my picture. (Photo courtesy of NASA) First citation in article
Full figure (57 kB)Fig. 6. Our student team: (backrow l-to-R) Anna Faist, Grace Kozan, Bridget McMurray, Gretchen Santo, Suzanne Maloney, Jennifer Haag, and Anna Mohr. (kneeling L-to-R) Mary Ryan and Rachel Hubbard. First citation in article