Vomit Comet is a nickname for any fixed-wing aircraft that briefly provides a nearly weightless environment in which to train astronauts, conduct research, and film motion pictures. Versions of such airplanes have in the past been operated by NASA Reduced Gravity Research Program, where the unofficial nickname originated. NASA has adopted the official nickname Weightless Wonder for publication. The aircraft achieves weightlessness by following an elliptic flight path relative to the center of the Earth. While following this path, the aircraft and its payload are in free fall and are literally orbiting the earth. During this time the aircraft does not exert any g-forces on its contents.
Er, no, dude, it’s not “literally orbiting the earth.” It’s in free fall, on a parabolic arc, but it’s only in orbit if it’s in a stable freefall around the planet (at about 17,500 mph).
Funny vid – if anyone wants to watch..Male Restroom Etiquette
http://z-studios.com/films/mre/
Jonco, Grace got me ride on the “Vomit Comet” for my 50th birthday present a few years ago. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever done (aside from losing my virginity… LOL!)
Jody,
I’ll bet that was amazing. I didn’t know that regular people could do that. Not that you’re regular. 🙂