This is an interactive simulation of the launching of the Space Shuttle. From this simulation you are able to select the Orbiter you wish to launch, and hopefully have a successful launch.

a. Retract Crew Access Arm, (RCAA)

b. Auxiliary Power Unit, (APU)

c. GOX Vent Arm, (GOX)

d. Sound Water Suppression, (SWS)

e. Main Engine Start

f. Go For Launch

Your objective is to complete each event in proper sequence. If an error message occurs, all systems will shut down and you will be required to restart the launch simulation. Before you activate a launch sequence event, be sure to read the narrative event summary.

After the instructions a screen is displayed that asks you to select your Mission spacecraft. You have the following choices: Pegasus, Columbia, Delta, Atlas, Atlantis, Titan, Endeavour, Discovery. Should you chose a spacecraft other than an Orbiter you will receive an error message telling you that this is not a manned spacecraft.

Once you have selected your Orbiter, your choice is displayed and you move to the next screen. You are asked to enter your surname and select a password. Then you click on the enter button.

Another instruction screen is then displayed. This one gives you a view of how the simulation screen is laid out as well as instructions in gray highlights over the different screen areas. These highlighted areas say the following:

1. First, read the text at the bottom/center of the screen.

2. Second, chose your selection from the console on the left

3. Make sure you read carefully!

You are also instructed to watch the view port and the following is mentioned: "If you make an incorrect choice you will have to start all over. Good Luck Crew Member!"

A control panel is shown with the view port, instruction box, display and monitoring system.

1. When you select your first option (Retract Crew Access Arm) you are at T-9 minutes and counting.

This text is displayed at the bottom of the screen when this selection is made is: "Hatch Close: Access Arm Retract and Crew fallback - The orbiter hatch is closed and hatch seal and leak checks are made. The White Room is then evacuated and the closeout crew proceeds from the launch pad to a fallback area. At T-7 minutes, 30 seconds, the orbiter access arm is retracted. Should an emergency error occur requiring crew evacuation from the orbiter, the arm can be extended automatically or manually in about 15 seconds. Our next step in the pre-launch sequence is to initiate Auxiliary Power Units (APU) presents."

2. At that time you select from the left side of your screen the "Auxiliary Power Units" button. When this selection is made the following text appears at the bottom of the screen: "Auxiliary Power Units - The Auxiliary power unit is a hydrazine-fueled, turbine-driven power unit that drives a hydraulic pump that produces pressure needed for the orbiter's flight controls to steer the vehicle. Crew Member retract GOX (Vent arm)."

3. Then the third selection, Retract GOX, is made and the text that appears is as follows: "The External Tank Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm - The GOX vent arm is a 13-foot wide retractable arm and vent hood assembly, also known as the 'Beanie Cap'. Heated gaseous nitrogen is pumped into the hood to warm the liquid oxygen and prevent oxygen vapors that are exiting from condensing water vapor in the surrounding air and creating potentially damaging ice. T-1 minute and counting. Initialize SWS (Sound Water Suppression System)."

4. The next selection is number 4 of the 6 that need to be completed for successful launch. It's purpose is to initialize the Sound Water Suppression System (SWS). The following text is displayed at the bottom of your screen with this selection:"Sound Suppression System - The Sound Water Suppression System is designed to protect the orbiter and it's payloads from damage by acoustical (sound) energy when launch occurs. The system includes a 290-foot high water storage tanks adjacent to each launch pad containing 300,000 gallons of water. The water pours from it's sixteen nozzles on top of the flame deflectors as well as outlets in the main engine exhaust hole on the MLP (Mobile Launcher Platform) starting at T-6.6 seconds. The MLP rainbirds are 12 feet high, the center two are 42 inches in diameter while the other four are 30 inches in diameter. As acoustical levels peak when the Shuttle is about 300 ft above the MLP, (about 9 seconds after liftoff), the flow rate is 900,000 gallons per minute. T-00.15 seconds and counting. Go for Main Ignition Start!"

5. The next item to select is Main Ignition Start. At this point the following text is displayed: "Main Ignition Start - The Shuttle launch system contains many explosive (pyrotechnic) charges which must detonate correctly for launch to occur. The frangible nuts which hold the Shuttle to the pad before liftoff and the attach points of the SRBs and ET all contain pyros. Mission Control we are go for launch at T-5 seconds and counting."

6. Finally you select "Go For Launch." A button image slides out from the selection list for you to launch the Shuttle. In a window to the right an image of the Shuttle launching is displayed on the screen and the following text is displayed: "Five, four, three, two, one...you are go for Launch." At this time you see the Shuttle launch in the viewport window.

After you have completed the successful launch you may go back and try it with a different Orbiter, or you may just discontinue. Congratulations, you have successfully launched the Space Shuttle.

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