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ABOUT THE NBL
What is Neutral Buoyancy?
Neutral Buoyancy
Neutral buoyancy is the term used to describe something that has an equal tendency to float as it does sink. Articles that are configured to be
neutrally buoyant (which is accomplished with a combination of weights and flotation devices) seem to "hover" under water and large, neutrally
buoyant items can be easily manipulated much like in orbit. However, there are two important differences. First, a suited astronaut in the NBL
is not truly weightless; while it is true the suit/astronaut combination is neutrally buoyant, the astronauts feel their weight while in the suit
(they are lying or standing in the suit depending on its orientation; that is one reason why suit fit is so critical). Second, water drag acts to
hinder motion; this makes some things easier to do in the NBL than on orbit and some things more difficult. Both effects are unlike the conditions
of space and must be recognized during EVA training. However, even with these limitations, neutral buoyancy is currently the best available method
for EVA training.
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