Jeb in Zero Gravity, In Real Life!

[BagelRabbit]

'k.

So, recently, I had the honor of going weightless aboard the G-Force One plane, offered by the Zero G corporation. This plane flies parabolas to give an accurate depiction of weightlessness aboard a real spacecraft (although only for ~20 seconds at a time.) The result, after flying around twelve parabolas, is a combined total of nearly five minutes of true weightlessness. Cool beans.

I took aboard a little plasticine model of Jeb that I had made. (I could have brought a Shapeways model but I didn't have one, and even then, I'm not sure if it would have survived the flight.) Jeb happily bounced about the cabin for two parabolas. I shot some video of him but it will take a while to edit... so, here's a quick screenshot of Jeb flying weightless.

Stay tuned, and let me know what you think!

[jebs_in_tha_house]

haha thats really cool, and also, how much does it cost to go on one of those flights?

[Javster]

haha thats really cool, and also, how much does it cost to go on one of those flights?

Wondering the same...

[Thomas988]

That's awesome! I'm also wondering: how much does it cost?

[FanaticalFighter]

I can imagine the grin spreading across his face. I'm wondering too... how much does it cost?

[sytaline]

The model is great and I can't wait for the video!

[Woopert]

Sweet! Would be awesome to experience one of these simulations some day for myself

[NASI Director]

I did a little bit of research on their site and found that it can be up to $5,197. Totally worth it though.

[Xacktar]

Nice!

Jeb. In. SPAAAACCE.... sorta.

[BagelRabbit]

I got a $5,197 ticket, as a Christmas present. A bit on the pricey side, but they offer a totally unique experience.

So, after careful analysis, I've found that I took absolutely terrible video. I was far more concerned with a) keeping track of the Kerbal, trying unsuccessfully to stay more-or-less upright and not float into an upside-down position, and c) having the time of my life. These three important factors made me point my camera in every single direction conceivable, and the camera wasn't facing the Kerbal most of the time. Thus, I think I'll scrap my video-editing idea.

I will, however, post these three screenshots.

The release of Jeb.

Free flying.

"Jeb, it's time to come back. Jeb? Jeb?!"

Oh, and one more thing. You might notice the globby thing on Jeb's right leg, by his hip. Immediately before flight, Murphy's Law dashed the poor Kerbal's leg off. Despite the lack of conventional glue, Jeb's leg was soon firmly reattached with some super-sticky ginger candy. The candy, originally brought to quell any feelings of space-sickness, turned out to serve an even better purpose.

(I felt great throughout the flight, though three people ended up tossing their cookies. Fortunately, all three had been given barf bags at the beginning of the flight, so there wasn't any loose... well, you get the picture.)

[kerner]

Wow what does it fell like in 0G?