Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

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NASA facility for astronaut training

The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is a critical facility operated by NASA at the Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston, Texas. The NBL is primarily used for training astronauts for extravehicular activity (EVA) in a simulated microgravity environment.

Overview

The NBL consists of a large indoor pool measuring 202 feet in length, 102 feet in width, and 40 feet in depth. The pool contains 6.2 million gallons of water, which provides a neutral buoyancy environment that simulates the weightlessness of space. This allows astronauts to practice complex tasks and movements they will perform during space missions, particularly those involving the International Space Station (ISS) and other spacecraft.

History

The NBL was completed in 1997 and has since been an essential part of astronaut training. It replaced the earlier Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF), which was smaller and less capable. The NBL has been used to train astronauts for various missions, including the construction and maintenance of the ISS, the Space Shuttle program, and future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Training and Operations

Astronauts undergo extensive training in the NBL to prepare for EVAs. The facility includes full-scale mockups of ISS modules and other spacecraft components, allowing astronauts to practice assembly, repair, and maintenance tasks. Divers and support staff assist in the training sessions, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the exercises.

The NBL also supports the development and testing of new spaceflight hardware and procedures. Engineers and scientists use the facility to evaluate the performance of tools, equipment, and techniques in a microgravity-like environment.

Related Pages

• NASA
• Sonny Carter Training Facility
• Extravehicular activity
• International Space Station
• Space Shuttle
• Weightless Environment Training Facility

See Also

• Neutral buoyancy
• Astronaut training
• Microgravity