What are Zero-G indicators? What is that Baby Yoda in the Dragon spacecraft?

Baby Yoda seen in Crew-1 mission.
Image source: NASA

If you watch the videos of the Crew-2 or Crew-1 or previous missions, you should see a toy with a string tied floating around.

That's called a zero-G indicator and this tradition is not something new. The first human to space, Yuri Gagarin brought a doll with him in his launch!

Actually, the zero-G indicator has no scientific purpose. Probably just to indicate that the astronauts are now in zero-G (weightless). Or maybe just to relief themselves. 

Anyways, here are some pictures of some zero-G indicators brought by astronauts to space.

1. STS-32 Crew with Snoopy (1990)

Image credit: NASA

2. Crew Dragon Demo-1 Mission with 'Little Earth'

Image credit: NASA TV

3. Crew Dragon Demo-2 Mission with Dinosaur

Image credit: NASA TV

 

4. Crew-1 Mission with Baby Yoda

Image source: ScienceAlert

5. Crew-2 Mission with Penguin

Image source: collectSPACE

6. Expedition 31 with Smokey The Bear

Image source: NASA

That's all of the few I can find. Thanks for reading till the end. Please do share this to your friends! Comment down below if you  have anything to say!