ARTEMIS 1 and Zero Gravity Indicators
Today we will learn about the Artemis 1 mission and zero gravity indicators?
Before we start, let’s reflect on these questions:
What is the Artemis I Mission?
The Artemis I mission is the first of several missions to build a place for small groups of humans to live on the Moon and Mars in the future.
Artemis I will be testing out new technology and making sure astronauts can safely reenter the atmosphere and safely splashdown on earth.
Artemis I crew patch courtesy of NASA
Let’s Visit Intrepid!
Press play on the next slide to travel to the Intrepid Museum and learn about the Artemis I mission and its zero gravity indicator.
What is an Orion Space Capsule?
The Orion space capsule will be the spacecraft used to carry out the Artemis missions.
It is equipped to sustain a crew of four astronauts as they travel further from earth than any other human in history. It also has hardy heat shields to ensure a safe re-entry for the astronauts
Rendering of the Orion capsule courtesy of NASA
What is a zero gravity indicator?
A zero gravity indicator is a small object like a stuffed animal aboard a spacecraft. It indicates when the spacecraft enters zero gravity by floating weightlessly inside the cabin.
Smokey the Bear serving as a zero gravity indicator aboard the international space station in 2012.
Artemis I launched on November 16, 2022 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Photo courtesy of NASA
Artemis I sets the groundwork for future missions.
In future Artemis missions NASA hopes to send humans back to the moon where they will establish a base camp on the surface. This will allow for longer and more in-depth lunar research.
Illustration of a future Artemis Base Camp on the Moon
Image courtesy of NASA
Artemis I did not have any human passengers.
Artemis I will be testing the safety of the equipment before placing humans on board. Instead there will be mannequins designed with similar qualities to an adult woman’s body. These mannequins will test the impacts of these missions on the human form.
Photo of one of the Artemis I mannequins
Artemis I had one more important guest!
Serving as the Artemis I zero gravity indicator will be a specially designed Snoopy doll. Snoop will be wearing a specially made space suit while completing his exciting mission.
Snoopy will be the Artemis I zero gravity indicator
How was the Artemis I gravity indicator chosen?
Snoopy was chosen for his long history with NASA. Snoopy creator Charles Shultz used Snoopy to get America excited about NASA missions during the 1960s. In 1990 another Snoopy doll took the Columbia space shuttle to space as a zero gravity indicator.
Image of Snoopy aboard an Orion capsule courtesy of NASA
Reflection
Activity
Create your own zero gravity indicator!
Step 1: Gather Materials and Make a Design
Step 2: Cut Your Felt
Using your drawing as a pattern cut two pieces of felt in the shape of your drawing’s outline. Add other shapes for detail if you choose.
Step 3: Add Details
Stitch details onto one
piece of the felt you cut.
You can add smaller pieces of felt for added detail if you choose.
Step 4: Stitch Front and Back Together
Line up the front and back
pieces of felt. Stitch these
together by going along
the outside edge of your
Design. Leave an opening
to stuff your design.
Step 5: Stuff Your Design
Use cotton balls to stuff
Your zero gravity indicator.
after stuffing sew the hole
closed.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation!
Congratulations! You have made a zero gravity indicator!