This is an interactive simulation of the approach and landing of the Space Shuttle. From this simulation you are able to guide the Orbiter through deorbit burn to a successful landing at Kennedy Space Center.
The following is a complete description of what takes place during this simulation.There are arrows at the bottom right hand of the screen to click on. These will bring up the next information screen on the entry phase, the text is below:
This phase starts at approximately 400,000 feet above the ground and over 4,000 miles away from the landing site. During entry the Shuttle turns back and forth to control how fast it falls into the atmosphere which in turn controls how much drag is developed. By controlling the drag the Shuttle's computer can then control how fast it slows down. This is the phase where the most heat is generated because the Shuttle is initially traveling so fast. The thermal protection system helps protect the Shuttle structure by shielding it from the intense heat.
The interactive portion of the simulation is now beginning. After clicking on the arrows to bring you past the entry phase text you will see an image of the earth as you are entering it's atmosphere. There is a small window to the upper right hand side which keeps you informed as to your status, i.e., on course or of course.
Your goal at this time is to lower the Orbiter through the atmosphere. If you complete this successfully the next information screen will be displayed. If you fail a screen will be displayed informing you to try again.
The entry phase is followed by the TAEM Phase or Terminal Area Energy Management. The text explaining this phase is displayed below:
Terminal Area Energy Management - When the vehicle reaches relatively low altitude and slower speed the Entry Phase ends and the TAEM (pronounced tame) phase starts. It begins around 82,000 feet in altitude and approximately 60
miles from the runway. The purpose of TAEM is twofold: 1. to manage the energy while approaching the "terminal area" or landing site and 2. during TAEM the Shuttle lines up with the runway to prepare for the Approach & Landing phase. It is in the middle of TAEM where the commander first takes over and flies manually all the way to touchdown.
During this portion of the interactivity you are required to bring the Orbiter over Florida to the Kennedy Space Center area. When you are close a white line will outline the area where you are required to be located for the simulation to continue. Once again if you are successful the next information screen will be displayed and if you are unsuccessful a try again screen will display.
The next information screen explains the approach and landing phase:
By 10,000 feet altitude, the Shuttle is lined up with the runway and preparing for the initial part of the approach and landing phase. Since there are no engines, the Shuttle dives at a point about a mile short of the runway
at a very steep angle of 18-20 degrees. It does this so it can build up energy for the upcoming landing. At 2,000 feet altitude, a preflare or pullup is performed to transition from the steep dive to a shallow approach of 1.5 degrees. Comparatively, an airliner approaches at a constant angle of 3 degrees.
After clicking on the arrows at the bottom of the above information screen you will see the next step in the interactivity. Here your goal is to bring the Orbiter in towards the runway and maintain a centered posture. There are arrows that appear on the screen in the form of a HUD or Heads Up Display that the astronauts would have on their screen. These arrows help to explain where the Shuttle needs to be at this time. If you are successful the next phase is landing, or you will be instructed to try again. The landing phase instructions are displayed below:
The Space Shuttle Commander is at this time using the RHC (Rotational Hand Controller - NASA term for joystick) to pitch the nose up and down to fly the correct approach angle and to roll left or right to touchdown in the center of
the runway. The landing area is approximately 2,500 feet down the runway with touchdown speeds around 200 knots. After main gear touchdown, the commander pushes forward on the RHC to slowly lower the nose onto the runway. While this is occurring, the pilot is deploying the drag chute to help slow the vehicle down as it rolls down the runway.
Maintain a centered approach and bring the Orbiter in low and straight and you will have successfully landed at Kennedy Space Center. If you have trouble you will be instructed to try again.
After the successful completion of the landing another screen will display saying Congratulations! Then a subsequent screen displays a short movie of landing, the credits page, and a return link to run the entire simulation again.