“The Mission Simulator: A Taste of Reality”
In the months leading up to the historic Apollo 11 launch, NASA subjected its crew to a series of grueling simulations to prepare them for the mission. The visited NASA’s space research center in California, where the Apollo space capsule simulator was experienced firsthand. “There was not much room in there, and the couches were very uncomfortable and suspended upside down. “But it doesn’t matter very much because when you’re in space, your body doesn’t weigh anything at all.”
“A Complex System of Simulations”
To prepare the astronauts for the mission, NASA built a complex system of simulators that mimicked every aspect of the Apollo spacecraft. The simulator recreated what it would be like to be inside and fly the command module, with all the same flight controls and displays as the actual spacecraft. It was designed to have exactly the same “feel” as the ones the astronauts would use, so they could develop their muscle memory.
“A Team of Co-Pilots”
The flight controllers played a crucial role in the mission, acting as a team of co-pilots for the spacecraft. They constantly passed information to the crew, monitored their life vitals, and calculated the exact timings for rocket firings to keep them on course. During a simulated flight, control staff were as busy as the astronauts, checking computerized information and talking in constant touch with their counterparts in Texas.
“Training for Anything”
The simulations included every scenario NASA could think of, from practising complex maneuvers like docking and undocking the lunar module to simulating potential system failures and emergencies. This allowed the astronauts and flight controllers to develop their ability to remain calm and work together under pressure.
“If You Can Survive the Simulations, the Mission is a Piece of Cake”
Former Apollo flight controller John Aaron described the training simulations as “exhausting,” saying that after a day’s work, he would feel drained. “If you can survive the simulations, the mission is a piece of cake because you’re not usually working on 20 problems at once,” he said.
“A Historic Milestone for Humankind”
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 successfully landed on the Moon, marking a historic milestone for humankind. The mission was made possible by months of rigorous training and simulation preparation. As former NASA flight controller Gerry Griffin said, “It amazes me still that we were able to do what we did.”
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Independent
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