Observe how astronauts prepare for the microgravity environment of the space station.

      Experiencing zero gravity on Earth

      The primary distinction between life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and existence on Earth is the presence of microgravity, which compels individuals to float instead of walk. To prepare novice astronauts for these conditions, NASA, along with the European Space Agency (ESA) in this case, conducts special flights that briefly simulate the microgravity environment of the space station. This essential training helps astronauts adapt to moving, working, and even jumping in microgravity. If they excel, they can even learn to dance.

      ESA recently released an intriguing video showcasing the experience of one of these "parabolic flights," which are crucial for astronaut training.

      As depicted in the video, the “Air Zero G” aircraft — an Airbus A310 — achieves weightlessness by climbing steeply for 20 seconds followed by a drop lasting 22 seconds. During this sudden descent, trainee astronauts can float in the cabin, allowing them to experience a taste of what life will be like on the ISS. Each parabolic maneuver lasts about one minute, with the sequence repeated 31 times during a single flight, providing roughly 10 minutes of zero gravity.

      The video features ESA astronaut Rosemary Coogan boarding the aircraft for a parabolic flight. Before takeoff, Coogan gives a brief tour of the airplane, including a small seating area where passengers secure themselves during ascent and the return leg of the flight.

      Beyond the seating section is where the main activities occur. With the seats removed, the spacious area allows astronauts and trainers ample room to maneuver, although free-floating is restricted to a relatively small zone surrounded by safety netting.

      What is it like to float? “It’s challenging to compare it to anything on Earth,” says the presenter. “For me, the closest sensation might be floating in water but without the resistance or the ability to navigate.”

      Another part of the aircraft is allocated for researchers, providing a space to conduct experiments in microgravity conditions while remaining within Earth’s atmosphere.

      Although the weightless periods during the flights are brief, astronauts on the ISS live in such microgravity 24/7 for months at a time. To learn more about existing in this environment, check out videos created by the astronauts themselves during missions on the orbital outpost.

      Not too long ago, Trevor relocated from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

      This is what happens ‘when you get two uber-geeks in space at the same time’

      During NASA’s inaugural Twitch livestream from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, current crew member Don Pettit and recent returnee Matthew Dominick discussed what it's like to live and work in a satellite positioned 250 miles above Earth.

      One standout experience for astronauts spending time on the ISS is the opportunity to witness incredible auroras from about 250 miles up. The space station’s X account recently shared breathtaking footage of an aurora captured by a camera on the ISS while it passed over Canada, moving from west to east.

      NASA is set to host its first-ever Twitch stream from the International Space Station.

      NASA's mission is not solely focused on scientific research and advancing space exploration; it also aims to communicate its work to the public and generate excitement for space science. To achieve this, NASA frequently organizes events where astronauts answer questions from schoolchildren, collaborates with citizen science projects, and encourages amateur astronomers and curious stargazers to partake in astronomical happenings. The agency's latest effort to engage youth targets where many of them are: on Twitch.

      Next week, NASA will host its first Twitch event from the International Space Station, hoping to attract a new audience interested in space science and research. The event will feature NASA astronauts currently aboard the station discussing their life and work, giving Twitch viewers the chance to pose questions to them.