Parabolic-flight microgravity arc
A parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.
Also known as: zero-g parabolic arc
How big is it?
0.02 N · equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample
Equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample · representative
Typical recorded range: 0.005 N to 0.05 N.
A little perspective
Parabolic-flight microgravity arc vs Binary-star planet tidal acceleration: weight comparison
The equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample of a parabolic-flight microgravity arc is about 2 times the tidal acceleration across a binary-star planet orbit.
FORCE
A parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.
Binary-star planet tidal acceleration is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a planet due to the influence of two stars.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Parabolic-flight microgravity arc
Equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample: 0.02 N; representative; range 0.005 N–0.05 N.
A representative aircraft parabola provides about 22 seconds of reduced gravity. Residual acceleration is expressed here as equivalent force on a defined 1 kg sample.
The marked equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Binary-star planet tidal acceleration
Equivalent differential force on a 1 kg body: 0.01 N; defined calculation; range 1 × 10⁻⁵ N–1 N.
A defined 0.01 m/s² differential-acceleration comparison across an Earth-sized planet, expressed as equivalent force on a 1 kg body. It is a model value, not a named exoplanet measurement.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked equivalent differential force on a 1 kg body is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 0.02 N
We compare the equivalent residual force on a 1 kg sample of a parabolic-flight microgravity arc. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 0.005 N to 0.05 N.
A representative aircraft parabola provides about 22 seconds of reduced gravity. Residual acceleration is expressed here as equivalent force on a defined 1 kg sample.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.02 N | 0.005 N to 0.05 N | representative | |
| 22 s | 18 s to 25 s | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueGravity and forceBinary-star planet tidal acceleration0.01 NEquivalent differential force on a 1 kg bodyBinary-star planet tidal acceleration is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a planet due to the influence of two stars.Nearest higher valueFundamental physicsThrust of a gridded ion engine0.09 NThrustThe thrust of a gridded ion engine is the force generated by accelerating ions through electrostatic grids to provide propulsion in space.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- ESA — Parabolic flightsReduced-gravity aircraft arcs last roughly twenty seconds.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
GravityTen-metre centrifuge at two rpm0.4387 NA ten-metre centrifuge at two rpm is a rotating device used to simulate artificial gravity by spinning samples at a controlled speed.
GravityLISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass5 × 10⁻¹⁵ NThe LISA Pathfinder free-falling test mass is a precisely controlled object in space used to demonstrate technologies for detecting gravitational waves by minimising non-gravitational forces.GravityBinary-star planet tidal acceleration0.01 NBinary-star planet tidal acceleration is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a planet due to the influence of two stars.Fundamental physicsSoap film pull on a wire0.006 NSoap film pull on a wire is the force created by the surface tension of a soap film stretched across a wire frame.Fundamental physicsThrust of a gridded ion engine0.09 NThe thrust of a gridded ion engine is the force generated by accelerating ions through electrostatic grids to provide propulsion in space.Fundamental physicsThrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster0.1 NThe thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is the force produced by accelerating ions with a magnetic field to propel a spacecraft.
GravityWeight of a 180 g apple1.765 NThis is the downward force exerted by gravity on an average eating apple.Fundamental physicsThrust of an ionocraft lifter0.2 NThe thrust of an ionocraft lifter is the upward force generated by moving ions through air using high voltage, allowing the device to lift itself.