NASA Selects Undergraduate Teams to Fly on 'Weightless Wonder'

Dec. 15, 2006

Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1761

Debbie Nguyen
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111

RELEASE: 06-372

NASA SELECTS UNDERGRADUATE TEAMS TO FLY ON 'WEIGHTLESS WONDER'

HOUSTON -Thirty-four undergraduate student teams have been selected to
fly and conduct experiments aboard NASA's "Weightless Wonder" reduced
gravity aircraft next spring. After arrival at Ellington Field and
NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, the teams will spend several
days preparing themselves and their experiments for flight by
participating in technical reviews and physical training.

This unique learning experience is part of NASA's Reduced Gravity
Student Flight Opportunities Program. The program has given
undergraduate teams the chance to research, design, fabricate, fly
and evaluate reduced gravity experiments annually since 1995.

The "Weightless Wonder" is a modified McDonnell Douglas DC-9 that
conducts parabolic flights. The plane does a steep climb followed by
an equally steep descent, producing about 18 to 25 seconds of
weightlessness. Each team will have about 32 parabolas to run
experiments, with gravitational forces ranging from zero gravity to
Martian-like levels at one-third Earth's gravity.

Four of the teams have been selected for the program's first lunar
gravity flights. These experiments relate to areas of interest such
as propulsion, areas that NASA is investigating as it prepares for
future lunar missions. Lunar gravity is one-sixth that of Earth.

"These explorers of tomorrow will be given a chance to experiment
under conditions that can't be replicated in any laboratory here on
Earth," said Donn Sickorez, the program's university affairs officer
at Johnson. "Not only will they get to briefly experience reduced
gravity, but they'll also learn what's needed to take humans back to
the moon, and beyond."

Each proposal was evaluated for technical merit, safety and an
outreach plan. Past proposals have included topics such as aviation,
biology, medicine and communications.

Selected teams may also invite a full-time, accredited journalist to
participate with them to document their experiences. For questions
regarding team journalists, contact Debbie Nguyen, with Johnson's
Public Affairs Office, at 281-483-5111.

With this project, NASA continues the agency's tradition of investing
in the nation's education programs. This commitment is directly tied
to the agency's education goal of strengthening NASA and the nation's
future workforce.

To view the selected teams, their scheduled flight weeks, and get more
information about the Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities
Program, visit:

http://microgravityuniversity.jsc.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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