Space Cowboys return home

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

 

Space Cowboys return home

A group of OSU students called the “Space Cowboys” recently returned from a mission at NASA where they performed experiments in zero gravity.

     The team of six mechanical and aerospace engineering undergraduates spent a week at Johnson Space Center in Houston to prepare for and perform their experiments on NASA's zero gravity aircraft, colloquially called the Weightless Wonder or less affectionately, the Vomit Comet.

     Their experiment tested a concept for generating artificial gravity in space for long duration manned missions, such as to Mars or asteroids, with a rotating habitat consisting of inflatable structures. Results from their work will help pave the way for future manned space missions.

     The Space Cowboys include team leader Kristin Nevels, members Zach Barbeau, Zack Deck, David Grismore, Shea Fehrenbach, Chad Harland and faculty advisor Jamey Jacob.