 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NASA seeks microgravity flight test proposals
Houston (UPI) Feb 2, 2009 The U.S. space agency is seeking new technologies that could benefit from testing during flights on an airplane that simulates the weightlessness of space. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said such technologies might improve air and space vehicle capabilities and support future systems used in space exploration. "To prepare technologies for space applications, it is important to demonstrate they work in a zero-gravity environment," NASA said. "This unique testing environment can be provided in an aircraft flying repeated parabolic trajectories which create brief periods of zero gravity. The aircraft also can simulate reduced-gravity levels similar to those found on the surface of the moon or Mars." The testing opportunities are being offered to U.S. companies, individuals, academic or research institutions and government agencies. NASA said it will provide free flight time for the tests, while project teams will be responsible for all other expenses. Proposals are due by March 20. Flights to demonstrate the technologies will be conducted during August from Ellington Field in Houston. NASA expects to select at least 20 projects for this round of test flights, pending availability of funding. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links The Physics of Time and Space
Last-Ever Look At ESA Gravity Satellite GOCE
Paris, France (ESA) Sep 05, 2008As preparations for the launch of GOCE on 10 September continue on schedule, an important milestone has just been achieved as engineers at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia say farewell to the satellite as it is encapsulated in the two half-shells of the launcher's fairing. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2007 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook