What does the Vomit Comet do?

The “Vomit Comet” refers to a NASA program that introduces astronauts to the feeling of zero-gravity spaceflight. Recruits climb aboard a specially fitted aircraft that dips and climbs through the air to simulate the feeling of weightlessness in 20- to 25-second intervals.

Why do they call it Vomit Comet?

In 1957, astronauts began training on planes that simulate weightlessness by making roller-coaster-like maneuvers in the air. The simulation makes some passengers nauseous, which inspired the nickname “Vomit Comet.” In 1973, NASA took over the Air Force program that preceded the space agency’s formation.

Is the Vomit Comet still in use?

In 1959 Project Mercury astronauts trained in a C-131 Samaritan aircraft dubbed the “vomit comet”. Twin KC-135 Stratotankers were used until December 2004, but later retired.

How far up does the Vomit Comet go?

Ascent. The plane climbs 2,400 metres, from 7,350 to 9,750 metres, at a 45° angle to gain height for the manoeuvre.

How fast does the Vomit Comet go?

The aircraft executes a parabolic arc for about twenty-five seconds. At the top of the parabola, the aircraft reaches an altitude of 36,000 feet and a speed of about 160 knots.

How high does the Vomit Comet go?

How long does the Vomit Comet last?

The flight portion of a Zero-G Experience® lasts approximately 90 to 100 minutes. During the flight 15 parabolas are performed each providing about 30 seconds of reduced gravity or weightlessness.

Why do astronauts vomit in space?

The nausea and vomiting associated with space sickness is due to the body’s vestibular system — which helps maintain balance on the ground — being thrown into disarray as it encounters a lack of gravity for the first time.

Where does the Vomit Comet fly?

Image to right: NASA’s KC-135A aircraft ascends at a steep angle as it flies over the Gulf of Mexico. The latest of NASA’s KC-135A aircraft, dubbed the Vomit Comet by the press, made its final microgravity flight Oct. 29 and will be retired at NASA’s Johnson Space Center Oct.

Where does Vomit Comet take off?

The Vomit Comet is generally based at Ellington Field, near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It also operates out of the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, for several weeks each year to support the center’s microgravity research.

How far does the Vomit Comet drop?

During a typical flight, the Vomit Comet flies out over the sea, climbing to around 26,000 feet above sea level and reaching 350 knots indicated airspeed.