'Try Zero-G' From JAXA Totally Unlike SciFi Movies
Astronaut Koichi Wakata was challenged by the Japanese public to carry out a wide variety of interesting space experiments. Take a look at this video, which is part of the Try Zero-G campaign by JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
(Try Zero-G by JAXA)
Personally, I really liked the part where he tries to "swim" with a piece of stiff cardboard in each hand.
Besides being a cool video, it really got me thinking about the way that life aboard space ships is shot in scifi movies and television shows.
As I'm sure you're aware, it's just much cheaper to avoid the whole subject of "zero-g" (or free-fall, if you're in orbit). Once you've seen what actual zero-g maneuvers look like, you simply aren't satisfied by special effects done with real people.
When I try to think of movies that depicted people moving in zero-g, it's a pretty short list. Arthur C. Clarke tried to depict it in 2001: A Space Odyssey and in the sequel 2010... and I'm already running out of examples.
NASA Moonbase Update
'The dinner was excellent. It was completely vegetarian — grown in specially prepared gardens in this Moon base...' - Jim Vanny, 1931.
The Solar Oberth Slingshot
'And if it doesn’t work,' inquired Lazarus, 'what does that make us? Sunspots?' - Robert Heinlein, 1941.
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1946.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
'Old People Began to Cross The Continent In Their Own Cars'
'It was a relief to enter one of the comfortable autos, whisper a direction down the tube, and just know that you would be taken to your destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest manner.'
Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
'The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space.'
The Solar Oberth Slingshot
'And if it doesn’t work,' inquired Lazarus, 'what does that make us? Sunspots?'
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'