By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Ever wonder what zero gravity feels? Well Zero-G (Zero-Gravity) is the right way to experience just that.
Zero-G, a one-of-a-kind first and only provider of commercial weightless flights in the country has made a stop right here in heart of Kansas for research purposes.
Since Monday, April 28th Zero-G has been in Salina conducting a 3-week research campaign at the Salina Regional Airport (SLN). According to Director of Research Operations Shay Bhardwaj, researchers from all over the world have come together in Salina to test the overall platform of Zero-G's modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft. This is aircraft is built to perform parabolic maneuvers that simulate microgravity. (Parabolic flights is when an aircraft follows a curved path, resembling a parabola, to create temporary periods of weightlessness or reduced gravity).
According to Bhardwaj, Zero-G commercial flights reach up to an altitude of 30,000 feet and passengers can experience what gravity would be like in space. The aircraft is set up where the front of the plane is called the "floating zone," which is a fully padded standing area and the back is a seating area for passengers. Once the aircraft has reached to 30,000 feet passengers can then get up out of their seats and enjoy the zero gravity experience.
Each flight includes 15 parabolas, providing passengers with approximately 30 seconds of weightlessness per parabola. The entire experience lasts about 90 to 100 minutes.
Zero-G has dedicated military airspace, which allows them to perform their parabolic maneuvers safely.
History of Zero-G
According to the company, Zero-Gravity was founded in Texas back in 1993 by Dr. Peter Diamandis, astronaut Dr. Byron K. Lichtenberg and NASA engineer Ray Cronise (who is also a K-State Salina Representative).
In August 2004, Zero-G flew its first commercial flight while operating under the same safety standards as all major airlines. Since then, Zero-G established itself as the first and only commercial zero-gravity flight provider for the general public.
Then in April 2006, Zero-G became the first commercial company to gain permission from the Kennedy Space Center to use the historic shuttle runway and landing facilities to operate its weightlessness flights.
A few short years later, NASA closed its own Parabolic Flight office in favor of naming Zero-G their exclusive parabolic flight provider. Zero-G has been a partner with NASA to support the agency’s scientific research. Zero-G has flown more than 2,300 research missions since its establishment.
Zero-G performs research, consumer (public) and private charter flights at costs that vary. Various Employees from Zero-G mentioned they have flown celebrities, media companies, weddings, birthday parties, mega corporations and more for their "private charter flights."
Zero-G mentioned they are seeking for a permanent home and Salina may just be the one for them.
Book a Flight Encounter the Zero-Gravity Experience
SLN is hosting Zero-G's research campaign till next week, which means they are not accepting anyone from the public to board their planes at the moment. However, if anyone from the public wishes to book a consumer flight they can do so by going to their website https://www.gozerog.com/flight-schedule. Choose the option "public flights" to book today.