The moon is a strange little world. Only about 1.2% the mass of Earth, our planet’s companion exerts a much weaker gravitational force on objects on its surface than its parent planet. As a result, an astronaut on the moon’s surface feels as if he or she only weighs one sixth of their earthly weight. The same goes for all equipment the astronauts would use. It may sound like no big deal, but this feeble gravitational pull creates all sorts of unforeseen problems that are difficult to prepare for in research labs on Earth. There is, however, one way to experience lunar gravity while still in the confines of Earth and explore these challenges before going to the moon: On a parabolic flight.
Parabolic flights, better known for generating weightlessness, are frequently used to prepare astronauts for missions to the International Space Station. But in April this year, the European Space Agency (ESA) ran its first parabolic flight campaign focused solely on simulating lunar and Martian gravity.
Recent Comments