Measurement unit for speed in the atmosphere, in multiples of the speed of sound (Mach 1 = the speed of sound = 1224 kph = 760 mph, at sea level).
Traveling faster than the speed of sound, i.e., above Mach 1. (Mach 1 = 340 m/s = 1224 kph = 760 mph at sea level, and slower at the colder temperatures at high altitude).
Refers to a flight above most of the atmosphere, and into space, but not reaching the speed needed to orbit the Earth.
A high altitude layer of the atmosphere from roughly 11 km to 50 km. Most aircraft operate below the stratosphere, in the troposphere.
Accelerations experienced (for example, by a pilot) caused by the forces (i.e., "loads") of launch, or aircraft maneuvers. "G" refers to the measurement of acceleration in multiples of the acceleration caused by Earth's gravity. (1 g = 9.8 m/s2 = 32 ft/s2) Typical G-loads from a rollercoaster (2g), Shuttle or Soyuz launch (4g), jet fighter (7g), to the limit of human survival (40g for <0.5 s).
High accelerations (G-loads) caused by the forces of launch, or aircraft maneuvers. "G" refers to the measurement of acceleration in multiples of the acceleration caused by Earth's gravity. (1 g = 9.8 m/s2 = 32 ft/s2) Typical High-G levels from a rollercoaster (2g), Shuttle or Soyuz launch (4g), jet fighter (7g), to the limit of human survival (40g for <0.5 s).
Removing the effect of gravity by canceling the acceleration caused by gravity by being in a state of free fall. In Earth orbit, this is continuous. On Earth, zero gravity can be experienced for short periods (25-30 s) by flying aircraft in a series of climbs and dives. Zero gravity is experienced when the aircraft dives.
A series of smooth climbs and dives by an aircraft in order to produce the effect of zero gravity (or reduced gravity) during the dives.
Abbreviation for aircraft produced by the Mikoyan and Gurevich experimental design bureau (OKB), Russia's famous aircraft design organization that has operated from 1939 to the present.
Abbreviation for Sukhoi aircraft, produced by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Russia.
Abbreviation for Ilyushin aircraft, produced by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex in Russia.
International Space Station, under construction in orbit since 1998.
