John F. Kennedy Space Center Presents:

International Space Station Shuttle Docking Simulation

The simulation displayed is an interactive game of the docking of the Space Shuttle with the International Space Station, or ISS as it is commonly referred to.

The control panel located in the Space Shuttle's aft deck is powered up and the docking ring is extended out into initial position, which is approximately 1.524 meters (5 feet).

Using a crosshair and target the Shuttle maneuvers to align with the ISS to begin rendezvous. This is accomplished during the simulation by using the left and right arrow keys to maneuver the Shuttle into position.

The simulation begins at approximately 52 meters 170 feet) from the ISS.

At 34 meters (110 feet) from docking, the astronauts would configure the Ku-band antenna from radar to communications, and slow down to 0.15 feet per second (0.45 m/sec).

At 23 meters (75 feet) from docking it is time to slow down to 0.1 feet per second (0.03 m/sec) and configure the digital autopilot for docking.

At 9 meters (30 feet) from the ISS, the Shuttle is required to be lined up with the target which is viewed through the windows. The crosshairs aligning with the target are displayed on the monitor.

After the alignment is verified use the hand controller to resume approach at 0.1 feet per second (0.03 m/sec) and maintain ISS docking target within 5 degrees of center. Inform Houston that you are, 'Initiating final approach.'

At 3 meters (10 feet) from docking the Shuttle is getting ready to make contact, and the petals (three metal brackets on the Shuttle docking ring) will join with coordinating petals on the ISS. These initially hold the two together, while the other stages of docking begin to take place.

At 1 meter (3 feet) from docking use the arrows on the keyboard to maintain ISS docking target within three inches (8 centimeters) of center.

Then you will make contact and the following text will be displayed on the screen: "Fire post-contact thrusting, check for capture. Perform docking sequence cue card. Houston, we have contact!"

At this time contact lights will display on the control panel and the petals will be engaged. The Shuttle then retracts docking ring for ten seconds, releases the capture latches and commands the guide ring into final position.

The vestibule is then pressurized and a leak check is performed. The Space Shuttle and International Space Station have successfully completed the docking maneuver.

Congratulations!

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