Training Underwater for Walking in Space
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National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free
Training astronauts underwater in gigantic swimming pools has become absolutely critical to EVA (extra-vehicular activity), that is, walking in space. No other technique for simulating zero-gravity is available for extended periods of time. In this program, senior curator Michael Neufeld will use illustrations to discuss how “neutral buoyancy” training was effectively invented by a small company outside Baltimore in the mid-1960s, then adopted by NASA to solve its EVA problems during the Gemini program. Astronauts at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at the Johnson Space Center will join the program by video to discuss their experiences with neutral buoyancy training.
This program is made possible through the generous support of Boeing.
How to attend
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560
Support the Museum
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.
Support the Museum
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.