» NEWS: Dayton VA rated worst in Ohio, shows ‘trivial’ improvement since 2017
The Starliner and Crew Dragon will re-establish an American launch capability for astronauts to reach the International Space Station and make more use of its unique research environment, according to NASA. The agency is planning to take four crew members to the space station at a time, increasing the resident crew on the orbiting laboratory to seven at a time instead of the current standard crew of six.
This will be the first time since the Apollo program that centrifuge training has been required for astronauts launching on a United States spacecraft, according to Wright-Patt.
The training is again being required because astronauts will return to using capsule aircraft to return to earth instead of “winged space shuttles.” The capsules include higher gravitational loads upon launching and landing, something the centrifuge will be able to replicate in training, according to Wright-Patt.
The $34.4-million centrifuge was dedicated during a ceremony in early August. The centrifuge —which was originally slated to be completed by September 2013 — faced around five years of delays, first reported by this news organization.
» RELATED: Report: Trump considers firing Air Force Secretary over Space Force disagreements
With an egg-shaped capsule on the end of a 31-foot long spinning arm, the giant centrifuge pushes Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps pilots to learn how to endure gravity forces up to nine times a human’s body weight.
It has the capacity to go from zero to 15 times the force of gravity in one second and can make 45 rotations per minute.
The centrifuge, four new research altitude chambers and a recently commissioned Navy disorientation research device – all within walking distance — are part of a $92 million array of projects authorities say will designate Wright-Patterson as the hub for research in aerospace physiology.
All three projects were built at Wright-Patt to consolidate aeromedical research for the Air Force and Navy in one place. The consolidation followed the 2005 base closure process, which moved operations to the Ohio base from San Antonio, Texas and Pensacola, Fla.
FIVE FAST READS
• Uber, Lyft to offer free rides to the polls on Election Day
• Report: Trump considers firing Air Force Secretary over Space Force disagreements
• UD, Premier give former fairgrounds new name, redevelopment could start in 3 to 4 years
• Ohio Governor’s Debate: UD students react to first debate
• Ohio State wants to prevent Oklahoma from trademarking block ‘O’ logo
THANKS FOR READING
The Dayton Daily News is committed to bringing you independent, in-depth local stories. Help support our journalism by signing up for a print or digital subscription.
About the Author