During our next few episodes to round out Season 5, we had the opportunity to interview individuals who conducted research, operated, or who served as research volunteers on the old Johnsville Centrifuge—aka the Dynamic Flight Simulator—which was located on the now closed Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

Why, you may ask, is Space 3D talking centrifuges? Well, there is a space connection! NASA used the Johnsville Centrifuge for training X-15, Project Mercury, Project Gemini and Apollo astronauts-- and a handful of Space Shuttle pilots!

In Part 1 of our interview, we’ll hear from human factors researcher Barry Shender, who will provide a broad overview of the history of the Johnsville Centrifuge as well as the primary purpose for conducting acceleration work. Then, John Yannaccone will provide some additional background on the operation of the centrifuge and why it was built in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Then, we’ll hear from Steve Cloak, Linda Frattone, and Linda Lips on their experiences with riding the centrifuge as human research subjects.