![]() What made the SMS-MB unique among NASA's shuttle training mockups, though, was its ability to move. The orbiter's forward windows were outfitted with screens that displayed computer-driven simulated views of the various phases of a flight.įormer NASA astronauts Bonnie Dunbar and Mario Runco pose with former Johnson Space Center director George Abbey and Lone Star Flight Museum president and CEO Douglas Owens in front of the Shuttle Mission Simulator. 9, 1979.Ī full-scale replica of the space shuttle's upper level flight deck, the SMS-MB included the commander and pilot stations, as well as flight engineer and mission specialist seats. It was first used to support flight crew training for the STS-1 mission on Jan. The simulator was then modified for the orbital flight tests and operational missions that followed. The SMS-MB was built in 1976 to support the approach and landing tests flown by the prototype orbiter Enterprise off the back of a modified Boeing 747 jetliner. ![]() The procession entered the Heritage Hangar at the Lone Star Flight Museum, where Abbey and others welcomed it in. While much of the restoration was completed at the Johnson Space Center, the SMS-MB was moved to Ellington in early April for final painting. Members of the restoration team joined Dunbar and fellow former astronaut Mario Runco as they walked the simulator into its permanent home. We want them to have a place where they come and see the simulator." Many of them are retired, and many of those who have passed away have their children and grandchildren here. "if you take a look at the entire history, 40 years or so, you think of all the people who participated in it. We went on a Saturday in November - there were tons of people but because there is so much to do, and so much room it never felt crowded."It always takes a team, right?" said Bonnie Dunbar, a former NASA astronaut who trained for her five space shuttle missions using the simulator and who now serves on the board of directors for the Lone Star Flight Museum. This was the only negative thing we encountered all day. I say ALMOST ALL the staff the only ones who weren't so happy seemed to be those working in the Orbit restaurant, and didn't seem to care about the puzzling unorganised queues for hot food. Their love and pride for the KSC - like almost all the staff we encountered - is very obvious, and often extends past the spacey stuff for example pointing out the wildlife which thrives near the centre - gators and eagle nests. The commentary by the bus drivers was light and often humorous (big shout out to Bob, here). The final bus takes you back to the main visitor center. The displays are remarkable presented so that space buffs or total derps like me, young or old, can appreciate the enormity of the subject and intricate engineering it takes for space missions. There is so much to do in this building alone. ![]() The next bus takes you to the Saturn V Exhibition building which is bigger, with more food areas, more to see and do (the mere size of the reconditioned rocket above your head may blow you away). We were lucky to see Discovery on the launchpad, plus a Delta Heavy rocket on another launchpad, (which went up the following evening). The views from the top really do show you how vast Canaveral is. Theres a bus, with light commentary, out past the Vehicle Assembly Building and down the crawler track to the 360 degree viewing area, where more footage is shown, and plenty of displays, snack bars etc. There was a short queue for the Space Shuttle experience simulator (which is worth it). The Center offer so much to do, and finding you way around is not difficult. The current basic ticket even offers a free second day entrance which you could easily do great value for money. Spend a day at KSC and even non-space geeks like me come away impressed.
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