Photos

Space Shuttle Cockpit

The two chairs in the back is where the Mission Specialist’s (MS) are seated. The monitor on the left is displaying a MS Workstation, which is used to turn on on-board systems equipment. The monitor on the right is displaying panel R13L, and this is used to open and close the cargo bay doors. A joystick is in view and this used for rendezvousing with a space station. On the far right and not shown is where the on-board telescope interface workstation resides.

A shuttle cockpit view displaying the Commander’s (CDR) position (port side) and the Pilot’s (PLT) position (starboard side). The top-left display (CRT1) monitors system functionality and performance. The top-right display (CRT2) will show predicted flight paths for launch / orbit insertion and de-orbit / landing, The bottom display (CRT3) shows the orientation of the shuttle in pitch, roll and yaw. Additionally it displays the scripted text associated with the events transpiring throughout the mission. All the main panels that the flight crew will interacts with are shown.

Close up view of the CRTs and joysticks.

Close up view of the CDR’s position and panels.

Launch / Mission Control

This is where 16 flight controllers will be assigned. They will initially simulate the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. After the Space Shuttle launches then they will shift to Mission Control Center located at Houston, Texas.

Participants will learn that some consoles are more involved than others when it comes to communications, but, a lot of time is spent on monitoring and ensuring anomalies (problems) are dealt with. This is where whomever is assigned as being in charge of the flight controllers learn leadership skills and how to work as a team.

The cockpit is in the next room, and participants are connected through their headsets. Because the cockpit is isolated in a separate room, following communication protocols is essential and circuit discipline is enforced. If the astronauts have an issue and it goes unnoticed by the flight control team, it could end up in disaster. Our crews learn how to work through problems, communicate with each other effectively, and rely on each other to make the mission a success.