To recreate the weightlessexperiencewithoutgoing into space, the plane executed parabolic flight maneuvers, climbingsharplyanddescending several times during theone-hourflight.
Glenn's flight plan called for him to spend most of the first orbit getting used to the feeling of being weightless.
VOA: special.2009.06.17
The returning Alphanauts can expect about 45 days of physical therapy to regain muscle and bone strength lost during their weightlessflight, the second longest in NASA history.