Video

Here is some video taken by Joe during the zero gravity portion of the flight.

We Made It!

Second flight group in front of the plane.


Brad, Isa, and Dr. Crosby debark the Weightless Wonder.

The second group just landed after a wonderful flight. Everything ran smoothly. We will know later when we look at the data if we had a successful experiment.

More Pictures!

Here are links to the pictures which Carthage journalist Steve Janiak took:


http://www.carthage.edu/communications/microgravity/index.htm

http://www.carthage.edu/communications/microgravity2/index.htm

Flight Update

Houston is currently sitting beneath a large thunderstorm, so we are uncertain if our second group of flyers will have a chance to collect more data today. Look for more information later this evening.

Second Flight Update

Second day flyers board the G-Force One microgravity aircraft.

Today our second group of flyers (Isa, Brad, and Dr. Crosby) took off in G-Force One, but had to return due to turbulence. We hope to fly tomorrow afternoon.

For the second flight, we will be using two new lunar simulants. These dust simulants are more cohesive (stick together more) than the other simulants, so we expect to see very different results... a higher angle of repose.

Inspiration

Team Carthage had a good first flight day. Erin, Joe, and Sam were able to collect good data and certainly made the most of their experience. For those of you who are Facebook friends, keep an eye out for Joe's zero gravity video.

Later in the afternoon, astronaut Barbara Morgan gave a presentation on her time in space on the STS-118 shuttle mission in 2007. Apart from the description of her work on the shuttle and the International Space Station, she also described the creamy, velvety blackness of space, the abundance of stars, and the incredible beauty of a sunrise from orbit. Barbara was genuine when she encouraged all of us to keep trying and keep working for our dreams... namely that of being an astronaut.

Barbara Morgan has been an inspiration to me since elementary school, when my classmates and I sang a song about Christa McAullife. I think that is when I first knew that I want to be an astronaut. It was incredible to meet and have several conversations with Barbara on this trip. She is a delightful woman and I appreciate the time that I have been able to spend with one of my idols. If you are reading this Barbara, I just want to say thank you!

Please wish us a good flight again tomorrow!


Barbara Morgan with Team Carthage

TRR: Test Readiness Review

The original "Weightless Wonder" KC-135... footage for Apollo 13 was filmed on this aircraft.

In order for our team to fly, we need to pass a Test Readiness Review. A large group of engineers, pilots, and safety personnel have been reviewing our proposals and documents, and will come to each table to critique our rig. If the rig is classed as unsafe for flight, a team cannot pass the TRR and cannot fly.

Team Carthage was a little worried about passing the TRR, yet fortunately for us, our rig had no problems and has been cleared for flight! Wish us luck tomorrow as we send our first crew of flyers up on the Zero Gravity aircraft.