San Diego , Callifornia : A scientist finds himself suspended high above the ground as he tests one of the nation's most advanced research vehicles for the evaluation of tasks that men will perform in the weightless environment of space . The 15 foot tall device , under development by the Convair division of General Dynamics , operated on air-bearing and permits the astronaut to float in mid-air , completely free of friction . Scientists will test reactions to a weightless ride and will experiment with tools and equipment for use in the absence of gravity . 2 march 1965