Free Falling (Again) Day 2

Here is what we saw during our DLN with the students. What a GREAT bunch of kids!


We were so excited to talk to everyone back in Solon Springs. The DLN took place in a hanger at Ellington Field.



Everyone who was flying today lined up and marched in a single file line to the Zero-G aircraft. The anticipation we felt for our upcoming flight can not be put into words!

Here we are on the Weightless Wonder (Now known to us as the Vomit Comet) as we are on our way up to an altitude of 25,000 feet. The hardware for the experiment had to be stored until we reached altitude. Then we could get out of our seats and get everything set up. Notice all of our happy faces!

We had 10 minutes to get everything set up. We had a few mechanical difficulties; the bolt to connect the launcher came out. Duct tape became a very good friend of ours. Mr. Ahlberg is trying to site in the crossbow for our at horizon launches. Mrs. Lesneski's job was to assist Mr. Ahlberg, while Mrs. O. set-up the cameras so we had video of the experiment.

At 2-G, we couldn't believe the force our body experienced. Trying to lift your leg or arm became a weightlifting excursion. Notice how Mrs. Lesneski looks plastered to the floor. It was recommended that we keep our heads stable by either lying down or leaning against the cabin wall. No sudden movements were advised!

The data collected gave us some surprising results. When we get back to school, we will analyze all of our data and reach some conclusions. Don't you love science!?!?!


Here is a video of our flight lifting off from Ellington Field. Mrs. Fortuna is a wonderful videographer!