In recent months research scientists in the Department have initiated two pilot projects to conduct experimental studies of solar system accretion physics in the microgravity environment. These studies, funded by JPL and SwRI culminated in a series of 80 zero-G research parabolas during two flights aboard the NASA KC-135 "Weightless Wonder" aircraft on 17 and 18 April 2001. These flights tested equipment and techniques for more extensive future Space Shuttle or Space Station experiments now on the drawing board. See the OASIS project page for additional details.

OASIS team members with the experiment rack aboard the NASA KC-135. In back, left to right are Alan Stern (OASIS Principal Investigator), Dan Durda (Flight Experimenter) and Mike Epperly (Flight Experimenter). In front is Dave Slater (OASIS Project Manager).

OASIS Lead Engineer Kelly Smith with the KC-135 "Weightless Wonder".

Dan Durda and Alan Stern with the OASIS hardware.