US Air Force Academy and Texas A&M University leverage ZERO-G's weightless lab ahead of Spac

Zero Gravity Corporation’s Weightless Lab served as a valuable testing ground for the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), supported in part by Texas A&M University (TAMU) Construction Science Department, as they evaluated the FalconSAT-X on a zero-gravity flight that took place on Nov. 13. The parabolic flight experiments raise readiness levels for launches such as the Dec. 3rd FalconSAT-6 with SpaceX.

ZERO-G Weightless Lab provides a unique opportunity allowing researchers to conduct hands-on testing at a level matching NASA’s rigorous standards and procedures. On the research flight, students and cadets worked side by side to evaluate the in-flight motion performance of solar panels attached to FalconSAT-X, the next satellite to be built by USAFA which is currently in the conceptual design phase.

G-FORCE ONE®, ZERO-G’s specially modified Boeing 727, provides a unique platform for student groups, universities, commercial companies and more to test research and equipment bound for the International Space Station and beyond. By using a parabolic flight pattern to produce 30-second periods of microgravity, including Martian and Lunar gravities, ZERO-G gives researchers the opportunity to conduct hands-on testing and collect data in-person.

The special lab conditions allowed researchers to easily observe experiment outcomes without interference from friction or other disturbances. Though each research group worked on independent experiments, they collaborated in post-run data collection.

Dr. Patrick Suermann, TAMU Construction Science Department Head and USAFA Alum, flew with the USAFA students as they deployed the tests during a series of 25 parabolic arcs offered during the flight. In addition to recording the general performance of the deployment and retraction of the solar panels attached to their test satellite, team members were able to observe the motion and vibration induced by moving the panels. On each run, the team would initiate the panels to either open or close depending on the sequence.

Cadet Connor Brazinski organized the USAFA efforts and led the team during the onboard research mission. Of their ZERO-G flight, Cadet Brazinski shared, “It’s fantastic seeing everyone’s hard work come to fruition on this flight. Our teams are very excited to examine the data and bring the results into the light.”

“As one of the last steps before sending experiments into orbit, the information collected from the groups who do research with us is vital for the future of space exploration,” said Terese Brewster, President and COO of ZERO-G. “We are proud to uphold standards and practices that are integral to their research and are happy to provide a place to observe space-bound technology.”