Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
We offer a unique opportunity to experience what it feels like to be a real cosmonaut performing a spacewalk in the extravehicular activity suit by diving into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory of Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
Each of us has at least seen on TV cosmonauts wearing spacesuits float inside a huge pool when preparing for a space mission. This specially equipped pool is called the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and is used to simulate weightlessness during extravehicular activity training. Perhaps, among all types of cosmonaut training at GCTC it is diving into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory that will give you a distinct and realistic feeling of how complicated cosmonaut work is.
The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is a complex hydro-technical facility which includes a large set of technical hardware, dedicated systems, equipment, and mechanisms. The main part of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory building is occupied by a huge cylindric tank (23 m diameter, 12 m height) filled with 5000 tons of water about 30 deg C temperature.
There is a movable 40 ton capacity mounting platform installed inside the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory reservoir. The platform can be lifted above the water and moved down to a certain depth. Full-scale mockups of the International Space Station (ISS) Russian segment, Soyuz spacecraft, and other hardware of the station exterior are mounted on the platform.
There are 45 windows located around the perimeter of the reservoir. During the training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory these windows can be used for photo and video shooting, visual and television monitoring of cosmonauts activity.
When diving into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, cosmonauts use the so called spacesuit ventilation mockups. The only difference between the mockups and the real EVA suits is the the mockups are not equipped with autonomous life-support system and required to be connected with the external air source. A multipurpose telemetry complex and a communication system are used for data transmission about the cosmonaut's physiological state as well as for voice communication. Since underwater operations are rather risky, suited cosmonauts are supported by divers in lightweight diving outfit.
Have a question about visiting Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory?
We'll be happy to advise on all issues regarding the organization of GCTC tour program at Star City.
Our company is the aerospace-oriented tour operator. Our staff is compriced by high perfers of space industry which personally took part in cosmonaut training. Deep knowledge of all peculiarities will help us to set up the optimal program and provide for you the most exciting impressions.
Tel./fax: +7 (495) 664-31-29
E-mail: info@spacerussiantour.com
Plan:
- Arrival at Star City.
- Theoretical class on Orlan DMA-GN spacesuit and diving plan. Medical examination. Briefing.
- Putting on dedicated gear, spacesuit adjustment based on individual parameters. Diving and execution of the plan in Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
- The diving certificate delivery ceremony.
- Departure from Star City.
Note: the price includes clearances and agreements as well as diving into the NBL itself
Additional services:
- Accommodation at a hotel
- Souvenirs
- Training suit with GCTC patch
- Photo and video shooting of your training
Diving into the NBL procedure:
- Diving into the NBL takes place only on weekdays. Only people over 18 years old can participate in diving.
- Participants must undergo medical examination at Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center on the day of diving. Based on results of medical examination, participants receive medical approval. In case if the participant does not receive medical approval, money will be refund deducting the medical examination cost.
SPACE RUSSIAN TOURS
№1 certified aerospace tour operator in Russia!
Our address:
141160, Russia, Moscow region, Star City
Moscow office:
107241, Russia, Moscow, Shchelkovskoe shosse d.23A
E-mail:
info@spacerussiantour.com
Phone:
+7 (495) 662-45-99