Weightless Simulation for an Italian Tour Group

[cudachaser]

Had the most interesting class today. I was commissioned several months ago by an Italian touring firm called "SpaceLand" to do weightless simulations in a pool while on scuba. This is to be a prelude to their customers flight on the "Zero-G" aircraft that would take off from the shuttle runway

Well, my little company took this challenge on. Partnering with "Bill35" (Scubaboard member also) and my wife, we obtained a 1000 gal water tank from a local feed store. This became our "space capsule". Bill cut a large hatch in the side of the tank and installed a valve in the ceiling to vent off exhaled bubbles. Then we dreamed up activities that astronauts could perform in space such turning valves, torquing bolts, etc.

Well today was our debute! We sank our space capsule into the deep end of the Holiday Inn pool then met our Italian group. They had never been on scuba so it was a real challenge especially teaching thru an interpreter, but I did it! They now were ready for the deep end and travel to their space capsule. I had them "moonwalk" without fins...a real challenge...they loved the experience...shaking hands and hugging us and themselves while still underwater! Everyone performed their tasks and tomorrow they will fly on the "vomit comet" (Steven Hawkins flew yesterday)!

Guess what? We are going to do it again in August!!!

 

[jmani]

That sounds great! I mean in a cheesy sort of way. Not only do these tourists get a taste of "Space Training" but a taste of scuba. I wonder if anybody in your group will go on to try scuba.

John

 

[cudachaser]

Hi John

I don't know whether anyone will continue to be divers...but SpaceLand wants to expand this exercise when they return in August. I had only 2 1/2 hours with them on this exercise...Spaceland wants to do a full day next time!

Joe