Two Zenith Fellows Fly in Microgravity and Conduct Research and Outreach on Aurelia Institute Zero-G Flights
Two Zenith Fellows were selected to conduct research and outreach on the zero gravity parabolic flights in partnership with Aurelia Institute for their Horizon 2023/2024 flights.
Aurelia Institute’s Horizon Zero Gravity Flight Program opens access to key technologies and experiences needed to engage with human spaceflight. With Horizon, Aurelia Institute charters a zero gravity research flight and invites organizations dedicated to diversifying the space industry to join the flight cohort. Fliers will take off on G-FORCE ONE, a specialized aircraft operated by Zero G Corporation, and experience weightlessness via a series of parabolic maneuvers which simulate the microgravity environment. Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation was partnered with Aurelia for Horizon 2023 and 2024, sending one selected flier to represent the organization and its mission in zero gravity with each cohort.
The two fliers selected to represent ZCPF, Abigail Lee and Cici Hall, were both Zenith Fellows in the inaugural Zenith Fellowship Class of 2022. Both fliers completed Aurelia Institute’s Microgravity Project Design Course which provided training, flight integration, and other critical preparation and education. This program gives students unique access and insight into the realities of designing and executing a successful project in a microgravity environment.
Abigail “Abby” Lee (Class of 2022) represented ZCPF on Aurelia Institute’s Horizon 2023 flight. Abby flew an experiment she designed and built to educate elementary and high school-level students about the effects of gravity. The results and lesson plans are being shared with educators to teach aerospace concepts.
Cici Hall (Class of 2022) also represented ZCPF on Aurelia Institute’s Horizon 2024 flight. Cici supported startup Lodestar Space to research future orbital service and manufacturing missions. She plans on sharing her findings through this project to inspire others about the space sector and enhance future opportunities such as SEDS-ÉEDS Canada’s annual Canadian Reduced Gravity Experiment and STORIES of Space.
We were also extremely proud to have our president Hira Nadeem and Zenith Fellow Alumni Jagriti Luitel ('22) join them as Brooke Owens Fellowship and Pisces Rising representatives, respectively.
All of this would not have been possible without our partner, Aurelia Institute, and we are extremely grateful to them for providing our fellows with this amazing experience to fly in Zero-G!
Inspired by our Fellows' journey? Apply for our next Fellowship Cohort!