Question

NASA uses a plane often referred to as the "vomit comet" for astronaut training. It travels in circular arcs at a speed of v=267m/s. What specific purpose does this plane serve in simulating the weightlessness of space for astronauts, and how does it achieve this?

Answer 1

NASA uses the "vomit comet" plane to simulate weightlessness for astronaut training by flying in circular arcs at a constant speed, creating a state of apparent weightlessness during steep descents. The plane's rapid ascents and descents provide multiple periods of weightlessness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The plane often referred to as the "vomit comet" is used by NASA to simulate the weightlessness of space for astronaut training. It achieves this by flying in circular arcs at a constant speed. When the plane enters a steep descent, the force experienced by the astronauts is reduced to nearly zero, creating a state of apparent weightlessness. The plane's rapid ascents and descents allow astronauts to experience multiple periods of weightlessness during each flight.

Answer 2

The "vomit comet" plane is used by NASA to simulate space weightlessness for astronaut training. The plane achieves this by flying in circular arcs at a specific speed, resulting in free fall conditions. Astronauts experience apparent weightlessness in the plane as their weight cancels out due to the equal force acting on them during free fall.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specific purpose of the plane nicknamed the "vomit comet" is to simulate the weightlessness of space for astronauts during training. This is achieved by flying the plane in circular arcs at a specific speed, usually around 267m/s. When the plane is in a state of free fall, the astronauts inside will experience apparent weightlessness, similar to what they would experience in the orbit of space.

When the plane is in free fall, the force acting on the astronauts due to gravity is equal to the force of gravity itself. This results in a cancellation of the gravitational forces experienced by the astronauts, making them feel weightless. Standing on a bathroom scale inside the plane would show a reading of zero, indicating no apparent weight.

The difference between the astronauts' apparent weightlessness in the plane and in actual space orbit is mainly in the duration of time they experience weightlessness. In the plane, they experience about 25 seconds of free fall, whereas in orbit, they can experience extended periods of weightlessness. Additionally, the plane's trajectory is not a perfect circular orbit like in space, but nevertheless allows for a useful training environment to simulate certain aspects of weightlessness.