*무중력체험 롤러코스터 vomit comet zero g roller coaster

천국으로 롤러코스터
무중력 상태를 경험 할 수 있는 롤러코스터는 우주여행을 위한 필수 트레이닝
코스 중 하나입니다. 이 롤러코스터를 타는 분들은 두가지의 특별한 경험을 체험하게 될 것입니다.
첫번째는 순간 100마일이 넘는 속도 출발하는 기체로 인하여 일반 중력의 두배에 달하는
충격을 경험하게 될 것이고 중력과 기체의 속도의 가감으로 인하여 발생하는 무중력의
상태를 경험하게 될 것입니다.
에*랜드나 롯*월드에서는 타는 일이 없겠지만 우리의 조금 가까운 미래에는
이 셔틀을 타고 우주여행을 다녀오는 보편적인 생활이 되기를 조금 기대해 봅니다.

reviewed by SJ

california-based attraction design and production firm BRC imagination arts, has proposed a zero gravity roller coaster designed to mimic the weightless sensations created by NASA's 'vomit comet, the 'kc-135a' aircraft used to test space equipment and train astronauts.

the attraction relies on an extremely precise linear acceleration system to continually accelerate and decelerate the craft, adjusting its speed and direction relative to the weight and distribution of passengers in order to achieve the sensation of microgravity. the vehicle itself is closed-- unlike most roller coasters but similar to NASA's 'vomit comet' plane in order to block the passengers' ability to see their own movement or the horizon line. the seating resembles that of airplanes, with a two-point restraint.

in the first phase, coined 'the throw', the vehicle accelerates, reaching a speed of over 100 miles per hour directly upwards and causing passengers to experience 2 g. the craft then slightly and gradually slows its upward speed so as to precisely match the upward trajectory of its contents, thus causing the sensation of zero gravity. in the third step, the 'going down', the vehicle moves downward at a pace equivalent to that of the now 'falling' passengers, extending the experience of microgravity. lastly, 'the catch' involves rapid deceleration, causing passengers to again experience 2 g as they slow to a stop.

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in total, passengers will experience a minimum of eight seconds and up to nine seconds of microgravity. the design team has considered also giving passengers a small scientific package to play with onboard a cup filled with water, a rubber ball, or piece of string-- in order to appreciate the effects of zero gravity.

BRC imagination arts anticipates that the roller coaster, if built, would be utilizable not only for entertainment but also by scientists and engineers as a kind of remote research facility for NASA. time aboard NASA's 'kc-135a' is expensive and requires months of advance testing and organization, but the roller coaster would be available after park hours or upon advance notice.

the cost of the proposed ride is estimated at 40 to 60 million USD, primarily because of the stringent engineering requirements for the acceleration system and safety controls. designer and company founder bob rogers explains that despite the working name of 'vomit comet', the sensations created by the ride are not those that normally cause air or sea sickness. nonetheless, each seat is equipped with a white paper bag, and the capsule's interior is waterproof and equipped with drains for easy spray-down and cleaning.

1) 'the throw', accelerating upwards at 2 g;  (2) slows upward speed, causing passengers to experience near-zero g;
(3) decelerates, causing passengers to continue experience zero Gs; (4) 'the catch', braking generates 2 g during deceleration and descent

from  designboom