Custom Spaceflight Mission Simulations

Basic Mission:

Simulation Monitoring & Control, Shuttle Flight Deck and Mission Control provide the application environment for conducting Shuttle simulations. The mission defines the scope and content of the simulation. Custom mission configurations can include information such as mission duration, event times, Shuttle system data, display definitions, trajectories, payload content, etc. As a minimum, a custom mission is delivered with one launch to landing Shuttle Mission.

The Basic Mission begins at launch -9 minutes; continues through powered flight Ascent, on-orbit operations, entry, and ends with a landing at the Kennedy Space Center. The primary purpose of this mission is to deploy a Payload Assist Module (PAM) in a high inclination orbit (51 degrees). Examples of the interactive capabilities in the Basic Mission include:

·         Prelaunch Power up of Shuttle Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and other systems.

·         Monitoring of the trajectory and systems during Shuttle launch from liftoff through main engine cutoff.

·         Targeting and execution of post main engine cutoff (MECO) orbit adjust maneuvers.

·         APU shutdown and opening of the payload bay doors.

·         Satellite "spinup" and deployment from the payload bay.

·         Earth observation via shuttle attitude control using the joystick.

·         Preparation for deorbit and landing.

·         Monitoring of the trajectory and systems during Shuttle entry and landing.

·         Manual control of the Shuttle from about 50000 feet to the ground.

   Simulation Director Screen

      Mission Control Screens

      Flight Deck Screens

Infrastructure and Mission Options:

In addition to the Basic configuration, MS3 offers a set of optional extensions, which provide additional infrastructure functionality as well as new Mission content. Where applicable, additional hardware may be required to support the options. 

Option 1: External Camera Views for Launch and Landing 

SM&C element extension to support instructor-selectable camera locations for viewing the launch and landing phases of Kennedy Space Center missions. Available camera locations include the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), runway threshold, east and south of launch pad, and a "chase plane". Requires an additional workstation.

Option 2: Orbiter Malfunctions 

SM&C element extension to support control and monitoring of instructor-selectable malfunctions. Inserted anomalies may cause alarms, system display parameter changes, and caution and warning panel illumination to cue the "crew" and "flight controllers" to failures that need to be isolated or solved. Requires an additional workstation.

Option 3: Station to Station E-Mail

SM&C and MC element extensions to support composition and transmission of simple, text-based messages among Mission Control positions and the instructor.

Option 4: International Space Station (ISS) Rendezvous Mission 

A new mission focusing on Shuttle rendezvous with the ISS. ISS imagery is included as well as display extensions for rendezvous monitoring and maneuver execution. Requires additional workstations to support customer-required camera views (aft crew station, payload bay docking collar, etc).

Option 5: ISS Malfunctions

SM&C element extension to support control and monitoring of instructor-selectable malfunctions for ISS systems. Inserted anomalies may cause alarms, system display parameter changes, and caution and warning panel illumination to cue the "crew" and "flight controllers" to failures that need to be isolated or solved. Requires an additional workstation, although it can be combined with Option 2.

Option 6: Transatlantic Abort and Landing (TAL) Mission 

A new mission focusing on a Shuttle launch abort resulting in a Transatlantic landing at Ben Guerir, Morocco (NASA TAL landing site). Ben Guerir night landing imagery is included as well as display extensions for abort selection and monitoring.

Option 7: Abort Once Around (AOA) Mission 

A new mission focusing on a Shuttle launch abort resulting in a first orbit landing at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California (NASA AOA landing site). EAFB landing imagery is included as well as display extensions for abort selection and monitoring.

Option 8: Virtual Switch Emulator (VSE) 

SFD element extension to support software emulation of Shuttle cockpit switches. VSE presents graphical representations of selected Shuttle switch panels, allowing "crew members" to make inputs via either a mouse or touch screen. This option is most useful for locations that cannot support physical toggle switches. Requires an additional workstation.

Option 9: Hubble Rendezvous Using the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) Mission 

A new mission focusing on Shuttle rendezvous and grapple of the Hubble Space Telescope using the Orbiter RMS. Hubble and RMS imagery are included as well as display and joystick extensions for controlling the RMS. Display extensions are also provided for HST rendezvous monitoring and maneuver execution.

Other Options 1: Reaction Time / Visual Acuity Simulator (Cue Line)

A stand alone simulation where guests use their best reaction skills at assessing and solving problems as the Commander or Pilot for the Space Shuttle.

Scenario: A caution and warning panel light illuminates and a klaxon sounds indicating a problem; the checklist appears with the sequence of actions to be taken by the student (must be done in order); the total time to solve all anomalies is tracked and displayed.  Guest performance is evaluated based on solution correctness and total time. This simulation is a good cue line simulation while guests await.

Other Options 2: Custom Vehicles

Notice: all designs, dimensions and costs are subject to change. Images are copyright protected and cannot be used without the written consent of MuseumWorx.