Draft:Zero Gravity Indicator
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A zero-gravity indicator is a small object, often a plush toy or lightweight figure, that astronauts bring aboard a spacecraft to visually show when the spacecraft has reached microgravity (weightlessness).
Once the vehicle reaches orbit and the effects of Earth's gravity lessen, the indicator begins to float, providing a fun and symbolic way to mark the moment of entering space.
Usage
[edit]The Zero-gravity Indicator has several functions on the flight:
The first one is as a Visual Cue: It’s an easy and instant visual sign for astronauts and viewers (especially during livestreams) that the spacecraft is now in microgravity.
Secondly, the zero-gravity indicator has become a fun Tradition in space travel, often with cute or humorous choices. As an inside joke, it is sometimes referred to as a high-tech system (while it is used in such a trivial way as a gravity detector).
Finally, it usually doubles as a mission Mascot, creating a more personal and human element to the mission.
History
[edit]This tradition dates back to the very first spaceflight: Yuri Gagarin brought a small doll aboard Vostok 1.[1]
The plush toy selected differs with each flight and typically represents an anthropomorphic figure or animals. Examples include a pig dressed for the Soyuz TMA-06M mission, an anthropomorphic Earth plush (Celestial Buddies' Earth) for the uncrewed mission DM-1.[2] · [3], a sparkly dinosaur for the DM-2 mission[4], or popular culture characters such as R2-D2 on Soyuz TMA-17M, or Baby Yoda on the American Crew-1 mission[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "'Baby Yoda' revealed as zero-g indicator on SpaceX Crew-1 mission". November 16, 2020.
- ^ Elon Musk (March 2, 2019). "Super high tech zero-g indicator added just before launch!". Twitter. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- ^ McClain, Anne (March 4, 2019). "Yes buddy, that's your Mother Earth. Isn't she beautiful?". Twitter.
- ^ Griggs, Mary Beth (May 30, 2020). "A cute stuffed dinosaur hitched a ride on SpaceX's historic launch". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
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