Zero gravity training gives people a chance to experience weightlessness in a controlled setting. These programs use special aircraft and equipment to mimic the microgravity of space.
Zero gravity training uses flight patterns and equipment to create the feeling of floating. Parabolic flights are the main method—modified planes fly in arcs that let you feel true zero-g for short bursts.
Each arc gives you about 20-30 seconds of weightlessness. Most flights run through 15 parabolas, so you get around 7.5 minutes of floating time in total.
The purpose isn’t just to have fun. You’ll practice microgravity skills like moving, grabbing objects, and figuring out where you are in space. These skills really matter if you ever want to travel beyond Earth.
Researchers also jump on these flights to study how bodies react to weightlessness. They check things like bone density and how fluids move inside the body—stuff you really can’t test on the ground.
NASA kicked off zero gravity training back in the 1960s. Astronauts needed to learn how to work in space, so the agency built programs to get them ready for weightless life.
Back then, the focus was on basics—how to move, eat, and handle gear while floating around. Astronauts practiced all sorts of tasks, trying to nail down the essentials.
NASA saw the value and expanded the program for research. Scientists started flying, running experiments they just couldn’t do on Earth.
People started calling the aircraft the “Vomit Comet” because motion sickness hit some folks hard. Thankfully, newer planes and better flight paths have made that a lot less common.
These days, zero gravity training sticks to NASA’s strict safety rules. Instructors walk you through prep and guide you during the flight.
Zero gravity training isn’t just for astronauts anymore. Companies like Zero Gravity Corporation let regular people try it out. They fly specially modified Boeing 727s to make the magic happen.
You’ll find zero gravity training USA programs in several places. Florida’s Kennedy Space Center area is a big hub, and there are options in St. Petersburg and beyond.
It’s not cheap—tickets usually run from a few thousand up to tens of thousands per person. It’s definitely more than your average flight.
Most providers ask for a medical check and a safety briefing. If you’re in decent shape, you’re probably good to go, but some health issues might keep you grounded.
From check-in to wrap-up, the whole thing takes about five hours. That includes ground training, the flight itself with those weightless moments, and a bit of post-flight time.
Some companies tailor flights for different groups. You’ll find research flights for scientists, prep for future space tourists, and even pure fun flights for anyone who just wants to float.
Zero gravity flights make weightlessness real by flying in parabolic arcs. Pilots put the plane—and everyone inside—into controlled free fall. They use modified Boeing 727-200s, climbing between 24,000 and 32,000 feet, to create the same conditions astronauts feel in space.
Parabolic flight relies on physics. The aircraft follows a curved path, just like a ball thrown in the air.
During these arcs, the plane and its passengers fall together at the same rate. That’s why you feel weightless—there’s nothing pushing you down.
Newton’s Laws in Action:
The Boeing 727-200s used for these flights handle forces from -0.1 G up to 2.5 G. Engineers add hydraulic systems and accelerometers to keep everything under control.
Each zero-g stretch lasts about 22 to 30 seconds. Pilots need serious skill to make the transitions smooth.
Every parabola starts with the plane climbing at a steep 45-degree angle. You’ll feel almost twice your weight during this climb.
At the top, pilots push the nose down and start the free fall. The plane follows a ballistic path, letting gravity take over.
This is when you get true zero-g—the same weightlessness astronauts feel in orbit. You’ll float, and the floor won’t push against your feet at all.
Flights usually run through 15 parabolas. Between each one, you get a short break to catch your breath.
Pilots can tweak the arcs to mimic different gravities. They can make you feel Martian gravity (one-third normal) or lunar gravity (one-sixth) just by changing the shape of the parabola.
Zero gravity flights start like any other—regular takeoff and climb. Passengers stay buckled in until the plane reaches the right altitude.
Once there, the crew moves you into the padded cabin. They’ll let you know when each phase starts and ends so you can brace yourself.
The pull-up phase comes first. You’ll feel almost double your weight as the plane climbs for about 20 seconds.
Next is the best part—weightless periods. Pilots dive the plane, and you get 30 seconds of real zero-g, floating through the cabin.
After each arc, pilots level out the plane. These recovery phases need careful timing to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Zero gravity flights use specially modified commercial planes to pull off these maneuvers. The Boeing 727 stands out as the go-to aircraft, thanks to its power and reliability.
The Boeing 727 family is perfect for zero gravity flights. These tri-engine jets have the muscle and control needed for sharp climbs and dives.
Zero Gravity Corporation picked the Boeing 727-200 for their fleet. The model’s strong engines help it handle those steep arcs.
Pilots can keep the plane steady as it climbs from 24,000 to 32,000 feet, then drops into weightlessness.
The original 727s needed big upgrades to get FAA approval. It actually took more than a decade to meet all the safety standards.
G-FORCE ONE is Zero Gravity Corporation’s customized Boeing 727-200. They reinforced the structure to take the stress of repeated parabolic flights.
Inside, the plane has a padded floor and walls to keep people safe as they float. There’s extra gear for emergencies, all meeting Part 121 safety standards.
The controls got upgrades, too, so pilots can handle those tricky maneuvers. Each flight usually includes 15 parabolas.
The cabin ditches regular seats for an open, padded space. You’ll wear a flight suit and get a safety briefing before you float.
Flight coaches join every group, giving tips and making sure everyone’s safe during the zero-g moments.
About 30 people can float together at once. The space has grab rails and padding everywhere, just in case.
You’ll get to try different gravity levels, not just zero-g. Some flights let you feel what it’s like on the Moon or Mars, all in the same session.
Zero gravity training in the USA mixes several methods to get people ready for weightless environments. Programs include safety protocols for high-intensity flights and special tracks for aspiring astronauts.
Parabolic Flight Training is the real deal for civilians. Planes climb and dive in arcs, giving you 20-30 seconds of true weightlessness each time.
Aurora Aerospace in St. Petersburg, Florida, runs these flights with modified planes. You’ll go through several arcs per session and get to practice basic moves in zero-g.
Neutral Buoyancy Training uses water to mimic floating. You wear weighted suits in a pool, so you can practice moving like an astronaut. This lets you train longer than you could in a plane.
NASA uses massive pools for this. Trainees work on complex tasks underwater, learning how to move and handle gear without gravity.
Drop Tower Exercises give you a few seconds of microgravity by dropping you or equipment down a special shaft. It’s short, but great for testing specific things.
Before any zero gravity flight, you’ll get a safety briefing. Coaches explain how to prevent motion sickness and what to do in an emergency.
You’ll go through a medical screening—usually a check on your heart and overall fitness. Some places ask for a doctor’s note, just to be safe.
Coaches show you how to use restraint systems and what to expect during the different gravity phases.
You’ll also get equipment training. They’ll walk you through harnesses, communication systems, and evacuation drills.
Everyone learns emergency signals and how to stay safe, even when the plane gets loud or things get hectic.
If you’re aiming for space, the training gets a lot tougher. Commercial spaceflight candidates train for weeks, not just hours.
Physical Conditioning Programs build up your strength for launch and re-entry. You’ll use centrifuges to feel the G-forces of a rocket.
You’ll also practice with real spacecraft systems—learning emergency moves, how to talk to mission control, and basic flight operations.
Psychological Preparation matters, too. You’ll work on handling stress and small spaces, plus do team-building exercises and stress management.
Advanced programs combine all these methods over months. You’ll start with parabolic flights, then move on to more complex mission simulations.
Many programs follow NASA’s lead but tweak things for space tourists. Safety, emergency response, and technical know-how are always front and center.
The whole zero gravity flight experience takes about five hours, from the moment you arrive until you leave. Professional flight coaches walk you through safety training and weightless maneuvers.
At the end, you’ll join a regravitation celebration—a little party to mark your successful weightless adventure.
When you arrive at the zero gravity training facility, you’ll check in with your government-issued photo ID. Staff hand out boarding passes, custom flight suits, and some zero-g swag as a welcome.
Orientation kicks off with a light breakfast, just enough to help avoid motion sickness later. Flight coaches run through safety briefings, floating techniques, and emergency procedures.
Training covers the basics you’ll need:
If you’re worried about getting sick, flight coaches can give you motion sickness meds or anti-nausea devices. They’ll explain what usually causes discomfort and how to prevent it.
Before you board, professional photographers snap some photos with the modified Boeing 727. Then you’ll go through TSA security and get ready to fly.
The plane climbs up to 24,000–32,000 feet before starting the parabolic maneuvers. Flight attendants tell everyone to lie flat in the padded cabin as the first parabola begins.
Each of the 15 parabolic arcs gives you about 30 seconds of real weightlessness. You’ll feel the same zero gravity astronauts experience in orbit.
During those weightless periods, you can float, do somersaults, or just drift around the 90-foot padded cabin. Flight coaches help with positioning and snap photos of everyone floating.
The flight also simulates lunar gravity (one-sixth Earth weight) and Martian gravity (one-third Earth weight). You’ll get to bounce around like you’re walking on the Moon.
Between parabolas, you’ll need to return to a secured spot as the plane transitions. Camera crews document it all for you to relive later.
Right after landing, the regravitation celebration starts—expect a toast with champagne or sparkling cider. Flight coaches hand out completion certificates and commemorative pins to everyone who finished the flight.
You’ll get detailed flight data showing altitude changes and g-forces for each parabola. Photos and videos from your weightless adventure are available for purchase.
Passengers and crew swap stories about the floating sensation—most say it’s nothing like anything on Earth.
Staff collect the flight suits and wrap up any last-minute merchandise sales. The whole celebration and departure usually finishes up within an hour after landing.
Zero gravity flights create real weightlessness using precise aerobatic maneuvers called parabolas. These flight patterns let you feel what it’s like on the Moon and Mars, all in one trip.
The parabolic maneuver starts with the plane flying level at 24,000 feet. Pilots then angle the aircraft up to 45 degrees and climb to 32,000 feet.
During this climb, you’ll feel 1.8 Gs—it’s a heavy push into your seat as the plane tilts upward.
Then, the plane eases over the top of the arc. That’s when zero-g kicks in, and everything inside floats for about 30 seconds.
After the weightless phase, the plane gently pulls out of the maneuver, and you land back on the cabin floor. Each parabola needs roughly ten miles of airspace.
Most flights include 15 parabolic maneuvers per session, giving you around 7.5 minutes of weightless time in total.
Zero gravity planes can mimic different planetary gravities by tweaking the parabolic arcs. This helps astronauts prepare for missions to other worlds.
For lunar gravity, the aircraft flies a wider arc, so your body feels just one-sixth as heavy as on Earth.
Martian gravity puts you at one-third your Earth weight, somewhere between lunar and normal gravity.
Pilots use the same basic maneuver but adjust the arc’s shape and timing to hit the right gravity level.
These simulations give astronauts hands-on practice for moving and working on the Moon or Mars.
Zero gravity training in the U.S. follows strict federal rules, including medical screening and detailed safety procedures. The FAA keeps a close eye on certification, and operators stick to commercial aviation standards to keep everyone safe.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires zero gravity flight providers to get special certification before flying commercially. Companies like Zero Gravity Corporation follow FAA-approved rules for aircraft modifications and pilot training.
These safety standards cover informed consent, thorough training, and medical screening. The FAA believes these rules are crucial for the space tourism industry’s growth.
Operators must prove they can handle the unique risks of parabolic flights. That means showing their aircraft modifications meet federal standards and their crews get specialized zero-g training.
Key safety points include:
Zero gravity flights use Part 121 commercial aviation rules—the same ones major airlines follow. These rules cover aircraft maintenance, crew qualifications, and all operating procedures.
Operators need to keep detailed maintenance records and stick to strict inspection schedules. Flight crews complete regular training and must show they’re ready for both normal and emergency situations specific to parabolic flights.
Part 121 also requires certain equipment, like emergency medical supplies and safety systems tailored for weightlessness. Operators run approved training programs that address the effects of gravity changes.
You’ll need to meet certain health criteria before joining a zero gravity flight. Medical screening usually excludes people with heart conditions, inner ear problems, or other health issues that could be risky with rapid gravity changes.
Most operators set the minimum age at 8, though some go higher. There’s usually no upper age limit if you’re healthy and pass the screening.
Common restrictions include recent surgeries, pregnancy, or balance disorders. Operators suggest anti-motion sickness meds and give tips to help avoid nausea.
The screening process helps keep everyone safe while making zero gravity flights accessible to space fans and researchers.
Research flights on parabolic aircraft give scientists real microgravity conditions for experiments. These missions usually offer 15–30 parabolas of weightlessness, each lasting 20–25 seconds.
Modified Boeing 727s fly these research missions, creating weightlessness through precise maneuvers. The plane climbs at a 45-degree angle, then follows a parabolic arc for 20–25 seconds of microgravity.
During each arc, researchers experience the same weightlessness as on the International Space Station. Flights typically include 15–30 parabolas with short breaks in between.
NASA runs drop towers for quick experiments, but those only give 5.18 seconds of microgravity. Commercial operators like Zero Gravity Corporation stretch that out a lot more with their flights.
Research teams can test equipment, study fluids, look at biological processes, and prepare experiments for space. Microgravity reveals how stuff and living things behave without Earth’s pull.
Universities and research groups can book dedicated flights for their projects. These missions let several teams run different experiments on the same trip.
Popular research areas? Materials science, biotech, fluid physics, and combustion studies. Medical researchers check out how the human body adapts to weightlessness and test new drugs in zero-g.
The Aurelia Institute’s Horizon Program targets researchers from outside traditional aerospace fields. Their flights have taken 43 first-timers up across several missions.
Schools use these flights to train grad students and run thesis-level projects. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between lab work and real space missions.
Research organizations can charter whole flights for their experiments. These usually cost $150,000–$250,000, depending on how long you need and what you want to customize.
Booking takes 6–12 months, since aircraft availability and safety prep take time. Teams submit detailed protocols and equipment specs for approval.
The FAA requires medical clearance and safety training for all research participants. Equipment must meet strict safety rules and be securely mounted for the high-g parts of each parabola.
Zero Gravity Corporation and others help with experiment design, data collection, and integrating gear. They’ll coordinate multiple projects during a single flight if needed.
Zero gravity flights run on set dates throughout the year, with prices starting at $8,900 for a single seat. You can pick from shared flights, private group bookings, or even charter the whole plane if you want.
Zero-G operates flights from several locations across the U.S. Their modified Boeing 727 travels to different airports during the year.
Popular departure cities include Las Vegas, Orlando, and airports on both coasts. Most flights leave from big cities, so it’s pretty convenient for travelers.
The flight schedule changes by season and demand. Each location usually offers one or two flights a month. If you want to go, book early—flights often sell out months ahead.
Zero-G pauses flights for regular maintenance. During those breaks, no flights run while the team services the aircraft for safety.
If you book an individual seat more than 60 days in advance, you’ll pay $8,900 plus tax. Each person gets 15 parabolas, a flight suit, some merchandise, and photos from the trip.
Private groups can reserve a half-plane for up to 14 people at $116,000 plus tax. These groups get their own floating zone, separated from others, and a dedicated photographer tags along.
A full private flight lets up to 28 people have the whole plane to themselves for $259,000 plus tax. This option gives total privacy for your group.
Research flights use a different pricing structure for experiments. Mixed payloads start at $10,300 for handheld projects. Bigger research sections run between $60,200 and $70,400, depending on how much space you need.
The base price for an individual flight sits at $8,900 with a 5.2% tax, so you’re looking at about $9,363 per person. If you book early—over 60 days out—discounts might apply.
That price covers a lot. You get 15 parabolic maneuvers, each lasting about 30 seconds. There’s also a custom flight suit, a completion certificate, and professional photos and videos included.
Groups get a better deal per person. The half-plane option comes out to roughly $8,285 each if you fill all 14 seats. Full private flights with 28 people cost about $9,250 per person.
You might have to pay extra for changes or cancellations. Don’t forget, travel and hotels aren’t included, since these flights depart from different cities all year.
If you prepare properly, you’ll get way more out of your zero-g flight. The right anti-nausea plan and smart clothing choices can turn a bumpy ride into something unforgettable.
About 60% of first-timers feel motion sickness during parabolic flights. All the shifting between gravity and weightlessness really throws your balance system for a loop.
Non-drowsy Dramamine is still the go-to for most people. Take one tablet 30-60 minutes before the flight—it usually works well and doesn’t make you sleepy.
Some folks like anti-nausea wearables instead. These gadgets use tiny electrical pulses on your wrist to ease nausea, and they keep working for the whole five-hour experience.
Ginger supplements are another option. If you take 1000mg of ginger root extract a couple hours before, it can help with motion sensitivity. Lots of people mix ginger with other remedies for extra protection.
Eat a light breakfast 2-3 hours before takeoff to keep your blood sugar steady. Skip dairy, spicy stuff, and too much caffeine on flight day.
Zero gravity flights come with a flight suit, but what you wear underneath actually matters a lot.
Wear athletic shoes with solid ankle support to avoid twists during gravity shifts. Sneakers with non-slip soles work best on the padded plane floor. Leave high heels, sandals, or floppy shoes at home.
Pick comfortable, fitted clothes for under your flight suit. Moisture-wicking fabrics help since you might work up a sweat. Loose clothing can bunch up and get annoying when you’re floating.
Take off all jewelry, watches, and accessories before boarding. In zero gravity, those things can turn into flying hazards.
Tie back long hair with a tight ponytail or braid. Hair floats wild in zero-g and can block your view or get caught in equipment. Use hair ties with no sharp edges.
Contact lenses usually beat glasses—glasses can float off your face, but contacts stay put the whole time.
Zero Gravity Corporation is the only FAA-approved provider for civilian weightlessness flights in America. Specialized training centers in Florida and California also run astronaut preparation programs.
Zero Gravity Corporation flies the main zero-gravity flight service in the country, using their modified Boeing 727 called G-Force One. They hold FAA Part 121 certification and have flown over 850 flights with more than 22,000 passengers since they started.
A seat on a zero-g flight costs $8,900 and covers 15 parabolic maneuvers. Each one gives you about 30 seconds of weightlessness. The plane hits altitudes between 24,000 and 32,000 feet during the ride.
Flights depart from places like Cape Canaveral, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Other cities include Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
Aurora Aerospace Training Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, runs private zero-gravity flights and astronaut training. They’re separate from Kennedy Space Center and focus on personalized weightless training.
Both places let anyone 8 or older participate. Kids 8-13 need a guardian with them during the flight.
Zero Gravity Corporation runs special programs in addition to public flights. They offer research flights for NASA astronaut training and space tech testing. Private charters can take up to 28 passengers for $259,000.
You can try Lunar gravity and Martian gravity simulations as well as zero-gravity. These phases let space tech companies test equipment before real missions.
Fewer passengers get motion sick than you’d expect. The company hands out anti-nausea meds and wearables on flight day. Flight coaches show you movement tricks to avoid feeling queasy.
Corporate team-building and media shoots are becoming more popular. The aircraft doubles as a lab for late-stage space tech validation.
Training programs teach you the basics: how to move, stabilize, and get simple tasks done in microgravity.
Zero gravity training is growing fast, thanks to new aircraft tech and rising space tourism interest. Private companies are rolling out more accessible programs, and NASA keeps advancing astronaut training.
Space tourism companies are making zero gravity training easier for regular people. Zero Gravity Corp flies modified Boeing 747s for public flights starting at $8,200 per person. You get twenty parabolas that mimic microgravity, lunar, and Mars gravity.
Training accessibility has improved a ton since 2008. Now, regular folks can experience the same parabolic flight training that astronauts use. The Aurelia Institute’s Horizon Program connects people with research projects during their flights.
Space tourism’s growth means more civilian training programs are popping up. Companies focus on safety and prep, not the hardcore conditioning astronauts need. You’ll learn basic movement skills for weightless environments.
Medical training has changed for civilian flights, too. New protocols in late 2024 add special restraints and suction devices for floating fluids. These upgrades help passengers adjust to microgravity safely.
The expansion is opening doors for suborbital and orbital flights down the road. Training programs now prep people for longer space experiences, not just quick parabolic flights.
NASA now uses virtual reality and haptic technology in zero gravity training programs. SenseGlove haptics create realistic touch in VR, helping with safety training before real flights.
Ground-based simulators fill in gaps between actual flights. Zero-gravity locomotion simulators let you practice moving without burning flight hours. They’re also useful for medical rehab research.
Aircraft upgrades keep making training better. Modern parabolic planes have improved safety and more comfortable cabins. Companies keep investing in gear that meets strict aerospace standards.
Training curriculum now covers more than just floating around. Programs teach rapid prototyping, logistics, and technical reviews so you can do real research in flight.
Educational partnerships are growing, too. The Aurelia Academy connects microgravity project courses with actual flight chances. Students pick up space industry skills by getting hands-on zero-g time.
Zero gravity experiences bring up plenty of questions—cost, safety, how to book, and who can join. Here’s what you might want to know about commercial weightlessness programs in the US.
A few companies let regular people try weightlessness on special aircraft flights. The most common way is through parabolic flights in modified planes, giving you 20-30 seconds of microgravity at a time.
Zero-G runs flights out of big US cities using their custom Boeing 727. You’ll get several parabolic maneuvers in each session.
Space tourism companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin offer suborbital flights with several minutes of zero gravity. The price is much higher, but you get more time floating.
Some places offer neutral buoyancy training in big pools. It’s not real zero gravity, but it does mimic the feeling of moving weightlessly underwater.
Zero-G brings their flights to airports in Las Vegas, Kennedy Space Center, and other cities across the US. Their plane acts as a mobile zero gravity lab.
A few space centers run education programs with reduced gravity simulators. NASA’s visitor centers sometimes show off microgravity effects with drop towers and similar gear.
Private training centers near major spaceports offer astronaut prep programs. These are usually for professionals, but some let civilians sign up for intense courses.
You’ll also find virtual reality centers in big cities that simulate zero gravity experiences. You’re not actually weightless, but the visuals and sensations can be convincing.
Zero-G Experience flights usually run between $8,000 and $10,000 per person for standard packages. That price covers training, the flight, and keepsakes.
The full package includes astronaut-style meals, mission patches, certificates, photos, and videos. Premium options might add more flight time or extra perks.
Groups can sometimes score discounts for company events or big parties. Schools might get special rates for student programs.
If you’re looking at suborbital space flights, expect prices between $250,000 and $450,000, depending on the company. These flights last longer but need more prep.
Real zero gravity just isn’t possible indoors for more than a few seconds. Most indoor places use other tricks to mimic some aspects of weightlessness.
Some centers have free-fall chambers or drop towers that give you a couple seconds of weightlessness. They’re mostly for research and training.
Neutral buoyancy pools are the closest you’ll get to simulating zero gravity movement inside. Astronaut training centers use huge pools for underwater spacewalk practice.
Wind tunnels and vertical chambers simulate falling, but it’s not true zero gravity. Still, they help people get a taste of reduced gravity effects.
Everyone gets a full safety briefing before the flight. You’ll learn how to position your body, move safely, and what to do in emergencies.
Medical screening checks if you’re fit for parabolic flight. Some health conditions might keep you from joining.
Certified flight instructors stay with you for every parabola. They keep things safe and help you move around without getting hurt.
The aircraft goes through strict inspections and maintenance. Pilots train specifically to handle the unique demands of parabolic flight.
You’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time through authorized providers like Zero-G or space tourism companies. Honestly, the most popular dates vanish months before the actual flights.
They’ll ask you to fill out some basic health forms, and you’ll need clearance for activities that feel a bit like a roller coaster. There are age and weight rules too, mainly for safety.
Most places only let you join if you’re at least 8 years old and under 280 pounds. They won’t allow pregnant women or folks with certain health conditions to participate.
When you book, you usually pay a deposit first, then pay the rest before your flight. Some travel insurance covers parts of the experience, but you’ll want to check your policy details to be sure.
