The Johnsville Centrifuge, once the most powerful in the world, was a key part of early astronaut training at NASA. Located at the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center in Pennsylvania, it was originally built in the 1940s to prepare military pilots for high-G conditions. The centrifuge featured a 15-meter arm powered by a 4,000-horsepower electric engine, capable of subjecting its riders to accelerations of up to 40 Gs in just 7 seconds. It played a crucial role in helping scientists understand the effects of extreme G-forces on the human body, leading to the development of techniques and equipment like the pressurized G-suit to protect astronauts. Over the decades, the centrifuge was used for various experiments, including those by scientists pushing their own physical limits. Although decommissioned in 2004, the facility's legacy endures, reflecting a fascinating chapter in the history of space exploration and human endurance.

Now you can have a spinner-pin that demonstrates the best carnival-ride an astronaut can take, short of being shot into space of course!

• Hard Enamel Pin
• Features artwork by Nate Biehl
• 1.5 inches in diameter (3.81cm