It is my first experience of zero gravity on a European Space Agency (Esa) parabolic flight. In theory I know what is going on, but my brain just cannot grasp that it is actually me that is floating, that I'm suspended mid-air.
I am accompanying Britain's first female Esa astronaut, Rosemary Coogan, on the flight as part of her zero gravity training for her potential six-month deployment to the International Space Station.
During the three-hour flight, sometimes referred to as the "Vomit Comet", the plane will trace out 31 parabolas - soaring arcs in the sky - designed to create zero gravity conditions inside the plane.
As we await takeoff, any nerves I felt have been replaced by excitement, my confidence bolstered by the spacesuit I've been issued and a generous injection of anti-nausea medication.
This story is from the November 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the November 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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