November 2002
Splashdown! Apollo 15 Returns!
Posted Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Today Apollo 15 splashed down into the balmy South Pacific at Long: 155.192W, Lat: 020.238S - "extremely" close to the targeted splashdown area, according to Apollo CDR. Veinot.
Recovery was a multi-organizational operation, with a F/A-18 Hornet and an A-6 Intruder from the Virtual United States Navy, a Virtual United States Coast Guard Cutter "Rush", and a UH-1H Huey helicopter from SimNASA.
All three astronauts were picked up via helicopter and returned to the vUSCG Cutter. The crew is safe and healthy. Upon leaving the "Tetris" capsule and returning to Earth, CDR. Veinot quickly stated to reporters, "It was a ten day mission, I never thought I would ever virtually walk on the Moon. I'm proud of my crew, Sergej and Jim. We are glad to be back on Earth and look forward to SkyLab. Good Luck to Apollo 17 next month."
The Cutter will take the crew to Tahiti for transfer to NASA1 bound for Kennedy Space Center; while the recovered capsule shall be sailed to Honolulu, transfered to a SimNASA C-130, and flown to the Kennedy Space Center, after a stop at Edwards AFB.
This completes a mission time total of 9 days, 16 hours, 33 minutes, and 40 seconds; or 232 hrs, 33 minutes, and 40 seconds.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Performs New EVA
Posted Tuesday, November 26, 2002
While enroute to Earth, Apollo 15 CMP Sergej Puksic is performing the next EVA for camera film retreaval, craft inspection, and related experience for future missions. Puksic remained in space as long as his oxygen supply would allow, without dipping into the emergency supply - a total of 23 minutes.
CMP. Puksic stated on his EVA, "I'm sorry I was unable to be with the guys on the Moon, but I am having a great time floating here in space."
Apollo 15 will soon perform its next course correction burn to prepare for Earth orbit and re-entry. Splashdown should take place today.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15: Tests, Toys, and..... Where's the Fuel?
Posted Sunday, November 24, 2002
CDR. Veinot and LMP Aylor have diligently been performing an enormous number of tests on the Lunar surface. Apollo 15 marks the first mission utilizing the Lunar Roving Vehicle. With this, our astronauts have been able to cover a larger area in order to conduct more research than was possible in the past.
The crew has travelled to the Geology Stations #1, 2, and 3 for retrieving samples, creating sketches, and taking a complete panormic site picture. The team then headed to the ALSEP deployment site for deploying additional intstrumentation. Near the LEM, the astronauts
performed the Solar Wind Composition experiment.
The following day the Apollo 15 crew prepared and began the ascent of the LEM "Falcon" from the lunar surface to dock the with the CSM "Tetris". Docking occurred without incident, thanks to careful and steady piloting skills.
One problem on Apollo 15 was that they had 28.7% fuel left, and the required fuel to leave lunar orbit is 25%. This leaves little fuel for mid-course corrections. So far, the first course correction has gone well, and trip home has begun.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Completes TWO Successful EVA's
Posted Thursday, November 21, 2002
The Moon was a busy place tonight, as Apollo 15 commanded its surface. CDR. Shawn Veinot climbed down from the LEM "Falcon", stepped onto its footpad and then onto the Moon claiming, "I'm having fun kicking up some dust here." Veinot becomes the third person to virtually step onto the Moon's surface.
Re-enacting the famous gravity experiment performed by NASA, Veinot dropped a feather and a hammer proving Galileo's "Gravity Race Experiment". As in real-world physics, it was a tie. CDR. Veinot also planted a TV camera and the U.S. Flag during his hour and a half EVA.
SimNASA was not finished for the night, however. Later, LMP. Aylor performed a six-hour EVA with CDR. Veinot. During this EVA the crew will perform additional experiments and begin using the Lunar Rover, exploring the Hadley-Apennine area. More details on this as it becomes available.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
SimNASA Achieves Second Lunar Landing!
Posted Thursday, November 21, 2002
Apollo 15 has just completed its lunar landing - the second in the history of SimNASA. LMP. Jim Aylor achieved a pin-point landing - exactly were the "Falcon" needed to be.
"Great Job, Jim! Right on the numbers!" exclaimed Brad Hodges when the results came in of Aylor's precision work.
CDR. Shawn Veinot assisted in the landing, while CMP. Sergej Puksic remains in the Command Module.
The landing did not go without its share of anxiety, especially when all radio communications failed due to a switch being off on the "Falcon". LMP. Jim Aylor reported that as soon as the primary communications were lost the secondary systems were brought online. Chad Harris, GUIDO for Apollo 15, stated to the Apollo 15 crew, "You gave us a few tense moments on the ground, but they were well worth it!"
Apollo 15 now sits comfortably at the Hadley Apennine region of the moon. The crew is now undergoing a rest period and various system checks, in preparation for the EVA's.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Enters Lunar Orbit, Crisis Averted
Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2002
Today the crew of Apollo 15 announced they have now entered lunar orbit. The course correction and Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) burns were performed flawlessly by CDR. Shawn Veinot and LMP. Jim Aylor, thus placing Apollo 15 well within the necessary fuel limits to perform the rest of their mission. It appears a malfunctioning propellant gauge abord the "Tetris" Command Module was giving enough erroneous readings that the entire mission was in jeopardy - for fear that not enough fuel would be available to return our crew to Earth.
"The guys here at Mission Control finally started breathing again once the burn numbers streamed in with the other telemetry," stated SimNASA Administrator Chuck Boudreaux during the morning press briefing. He continued, "It is hard to believe something as small and seeminly insignificant as a propellant gauge can have such an impact on a mission... then again, there are no repair shops when you are rocketing through space with nothing to stop you but those gases. ...The crew and team at Mission Control were prepared and up to the challenge."
When asked how the Leonid Meteor Shower affected Apollo 15, Boudreaux answered, "I am happy to note that the spacecraft suffered no apparent damage from the Leonid Meteor Storm as it was well within the cone of protection provided by the moon."
Despite all the adventure thus far, the greatest part of this mission is yet to come - as early as tommorrow - with the second SimNASA moon landing. "By tomorrow," Boudreaux declared, "SimNASA should be ready to announce the second virtual moon landing. Having the honor to be the first SimNASA Astronaut to step onto the lunar surface, I know it will be an event the crew will never forget."
CDR. Veinot and LMP. Aylor will soon enter the LEM "Falcon" to make final preparations before the lunar landing.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Corrects Its Course? ... Primes for Moon
Posted Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Now 40,000km away from the Moon, Apollo 15 has made its second and third course correction burns and is preparing for its fourth.
The past two days of the mission have been mostly calculations, and preparations for Lunar Insertion. Apollo 15 also separated successfully from the booster, and performed the transposition and docking. Communication problems still haunt the mission, but each time have been overcome.
Unconfirmed rumors have signalled that not enough course correction has been made - possibly jeopardizing the entire lunar mission. When asked about the situation, our source stated, "We are working on it."
Tomorrow, Apollo 15 will complete its fourth course correction, as well as the first and second Lunar Orbital Insertion (LOI) burn.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Crew Completed
Posted Monday, November 18, 2002
Today Chuck Boudreaux announced that the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot has now been filled.
K.S. Weber was selected for the LMP slot in this historic mission. Weber is no stranger to the SimNASA space program. His work as both crew and ground team will certainly add to create a well-rounded Apollo 17 crew.
All of SimNASA congratulates K.S. Weber, as well as the rest of the Apollo 17 crew, for selection in this mission.
The launch window for Apollo 17 is from 6:57 to 7:10 AM UT on December 7, 2002.
In addition to the above news, the Apollo 17 spacecraft moved from the VAB to the launch complex 39A this morning. After the eight hour trip to the pad, the Saturn V began a series of checkouts for the final manned moon mission with the Apollo series.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Crew Announced
Posted Sunday, November 17, 2002
Immediately following a Press Conference regarding Apollo 15, today Chuck Boudreaux, SimNASA Administrator, announced the crew of Apollo 17.
Commander (CDR) - Brad Hodges. Hodges has a list of accomplishments within SimNASA so long it deserves its own column. Hodges holds the record of most space flights of all SimNASA members - including more than 45 total days in space. Hodges became the very first virtual astronaut to orbit the earth in a simulated Mercury Capsule in July 2000. He has also been on two Gemini missions, and was selected for the upcoming Skylab Program. Until recently, Brad Hodges was the Administrator for SimNASA until stepping down to take a leadership role within VATSIM.
Command Module Pilot (CMP) - Troy Wild. This will be Wild's second Apollo mission, as he was a member of Apollo 8. Apollo 8 performed the first docking between a CM and a LEM and then performed a dual EVA with Shawn Veinot, the first in SimNASA history.
Lunar Module Pilot (LMP) - This position is yet to be filled.
Apollo 17, the final lunar landing Apollo mission for SimNASA, will be the longest duration mission this Apollo program. Utilizing Command Module "America" and Lunar Module "Columbia", Apollo 17 will attempt to land on the Tarsus-Littrow region of the moon.
This mission will also include a public-view enabled launch.
Apollo 17 is scheduled to launch on December 7, 2002.
-Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo Day 1 - Steps and Stumbles
Posted Sunday, November 17, 2002
Having overcome the communication and telemetry link troubles of launch day, Apollo 15 continues its trek towards the Moon.
A Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) was performed at 0925UT. Currently, Apollo 15 is over 15,000 kilometers from Earth. Commander Shawn Veinot mentioned to observers that, "the Earth is already beginning to shrink".
Other planned events included: Mid-course correction #1 (MCC 1), booster seperation, transposition, and docking.
Multiple telemetry errors from Houston occurred due to a computer
malfunction. With the help of Commander Veinot's crew and their expert organizational skills, all information was relayed to Houston to get telemetry on-track. The voice communications system for flow of all traffic has been offline for the last several hours due to yet more computer problems. Experts at SimNASA's Houston have been able to work with Cdr. Veinot to establish a single connection for the Flight Director and Commander only.
The completion of the first mid-course correction has been completed at 2002UT. This burn was completed in 1.5 seconds. Flight Director, Tim Luton was noticably impressed with the work of the Apollo 15 crew - performed even with lack of exacting telemtry.
All members of SimNASA should be proud. The training regiment of SimNASA shined through, as both ground and crew were able to overcome any issue that presented itself today.
The booster seperation, transposition, and docking have been held until tomorow's check-in.
Day 2 events begin at 1930 UT.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Streaks For the Heavens!
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2002
Miracles can happen! First the tornado watch was lifted, the lightning subsided, and the rains which were pelting the Saturn rocket left the area - giving Apollo 15 some clear early morning weather to launch through.
Despite computer problems hitting the Command Module Pilot, the difficulties were overcome and Apollo 15 launched successfully.
Apollo 15 Commander Shawn Veinot, Command Module Pilot Sergej Puksic, and Lunar Module Pilot Jim Aylor all performed their responsibilities with extreme diligence. The ground crew acted swiftly to assist in solving the computer problems.
Commander Veinot stated to reporters from the capsule: "All three astronauts are nominal, we are delighted to have reached orbit, and are looking forward to the rest of the mission."
SimNASA Administrator Chuck Boudreau also spoke to reporters: "We had a couple technical difficulties with our primary telemetry link, but after repairs launched just after our scheduled time but well within the launch window. We are ready to have our second crew in the history of SimNASA to step foot on the face of the Moon."
More information on Apollo 15 shall appear on this News channel as the mission unfolds.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Tornadoes, Hail, Lightning Hold Apollo 15
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2002
The Apollo 15 launch for November 18 is on hold. The SimNASA's vNWS has reported Surface winds, winds aloft, wind sheer, lightning, hail, and a tornado watch for the area - putting weather conditions beyond safe parameters for launch.
Fuelling activites have been suspended, and personnel have been ordered to seek safety in the pad bunkers.
The hold will continue until 0300 Zulu, after which the SimNASA Staff will decide whether or not to continue.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
"Tense" and "Anxious" for Apollo 15
Posted Saturday, November 16, 2002
With just hours to go until the launch of Apollo 15, the words from all those involved seem to hinge on the same few words: "anxious", "ready", and "tense".
With an 80% chance of thunderstorms in the launch area, staff and crew wait and hope that Mother Nature holds off for just a few more hours.
Due to the intense training regiment of both the crew and ground staff involved with this historic mission, the Staff of SimNASA is confident all will run smoothly.
For more information, continue to watch this "News" section; or click the "Current Launch Info" for more information.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Practice "Productive"
Posted Thursday, November 14, 2002
At 8:00 PM EST tonight the Apollo 15 team, controllers, ground crew, and related aircraft performed a practice session for the launch this Sunday.
Apollo 15 Flight Director, Tim Luton, stated to reporters, "Tonight's practice was productive. We worked out a couple of wrinkles, but everything looks better now. The crew and staff performed their duties as expected. I am looking forward to a great and successful launch this Sunday."
Apollo 15 is scheduled to launch at 3:22 AM EST.
- Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Spectator viewing
Posted Thursday, November 14, 2002
The instructions for the pending Apollo 15 launch specator viewing have been posted.
This list of instruction now provide step by step proceedures for those wishing to view the launch of Apollo 15.
Instructions are located in the Current Launch Information page http://www.simnasa.org/clu.html or may be accessed directly by going to http://www.simnasa.org/spectator.html.
Saturn V CSL now available
Posted Wednesday, November 13, 2002
SimNASA announced today the availablity of the Saturn V CSL add-on for SquawkBox. The purpose of the CSL is to allow spectators to view the launch of Apollo 15, a first for the Apollo project and a return to spectator viewing since the Mercury project launches.
The CSL add-on is available from the Current Launch Information pages. A link to this page is found on the navigation menu to the left.
Those interested in spectator viewing of Apollo 15 are encouraged to contact lct@simnasa.org for information on viewing locations and other instructions to participate.
Test Pilot Program: Renamed, Reorganized
Posted Monday, November 11, 2002
Effective immediately, the "SimNASA Test Pilot Program" is renamed the, "SimNASA Flight Testing Division".
Much work is currently being performed to bring this stand-alone division up to speed. A set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are under development. The Flight Testing Division is working closely with the Training Department to complete a program by mid-December which will support a career track in this area. A new section of the SimNASA website will soon be devoted to this newly-named division.
Chuck Boudreaux announced to the Organization, "All members of the SimNASA Staff and Pilot Corps are asked to offer whatever assistance they may to aid this effort."
Within the next few weeks, the Flight Testing Division will announce the required qualifications for potential applicants, as well as when the application process will open.
Interested individuals should monitor this News section for further details as they are released.
- Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
One-Week Application Period for New Position
Posted Monday, November 11, 2002
Bill Mullins, Director of the Atmospheric Vehicle Design Department, has announced a formal one-week period, starting today, for accepting applications for: Deputy Director, Atmospheric Vehicle Design Department.
This position would report to Bill Mullins and function in the areas of design, construction and painting of the SimNASA fleet.
Applications may be submitted to Bill via: facilities@simnasa.org
- Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
vUSCG Pledges Support for Apollo 15
Posted Monday, November 11, 2002
With a firm, "We'll be there!" Admiral Kyle Ramsey, Commandant of the Virtual United States Coast Guard, stated to SimNASA Staff today that all available assests will support the Apollo 15 launch this Sunday.
SimNASA and the vUSCG have a strong history of successful co-operative missions. Both organizations have worked together to provide successful launches and recovery operations for the virtual space program.
- Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
ARIA Aircraft Depart Patrick AFB
Posted Monday, November 11, 2002
Yesterday, the roar of jet engines could be heard for several miles as two EC-135N Advanced Range Instrumented Aircraft departed Patrick AFB for bases in the Atlantic and Pacific.
After departure, the first plane, callsign ARIA012, is turned southeastbound by Aircraft Commander Richard Stoffel as he heads for NAS Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico to refuel before making the eight and a half hour flight to Ascension Island in the middle of the Atlantic. The second aircraft, callsign ARIA013, followed several minutes later and was turned westbound by Aircraft Commander Bradley Hodges, Sr., bound for Andersen AFB in Guam after fuel and rest stops at Moffet Federal in California and Hickam AFB in Hawaii. One ARIA aircraft remained on the ramp at Patrick. This aircraft, piloted by Aircraft Commander Christopher Trott, will remain at Patrick for its mission.
Once on station, the trio of aircraft will provide realtime telemetry and voice data relay between the Apollo 15 spacecraft, to be launched on November 17th, and Mission Control Houston.
ARIA missions will last ten, long and lonely hours orbiting a point over the ocean, but without them, communication between the Apollo spacecraft and Mission Control will be limited to when they are within sight of ground stations or ships positioned around the world, with large gaps in coverage over several areas of the ocean.
The Advanced Range Instrumented Aircraft is a modified KC-135E air-refuelling tanker that has been modified with a large telescope in the side of the plane, communications equipment, and an eighteen inch, steerable satellite dish mounted in a large, bulbous nose radome. The aircraft is designed to track and relay Apollo Spacecraft data during launch, orbit, return, and re-entry.
- Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer; and Chris Trott
New Position Created within SimNASA
Posted Friday, November 8, 2002
Ever increasing its capabilities, SimNASA Administrator Chuck Boudreaux has recently authorized the creation of a new position: "Deputy Director, Atmospheric Vehicle Design Department".
This position would report to Bill Mullins, the current Director of this department, and function in the areas of design, construction and painting of the SimNASA fleet.
This position would have the ability to operate every aircraft in the fleet - often before everyone else. This person would also be a Moderator in the SimNASA Aircraft Forum.
Those interested in applying for this position should email their experience to Bill Mullins at: facilities@simnasa.org.
-Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
ARIA Project Begins - Call for Pilots
Posted Monday, November 4, 2002
The Advanced Range Instrumented Aircraft (ARIA) Project has now been launched by SimNASA.
This program entails research, control, and chase principles in remote sections and bases of the planet. With missions lasting up to twelve hours, and projects as long as two to three weeks, only those with the highest levels of patience and dedication are chosen. Much of the upcoming work will assist the Apollo 15 program.
Pilots not in the Astronaut Program and of the rank of Aerospace Research Pilots or above may apply. Applicants must have a basic knowledge of INS Operation and VOR Navigation. As the program unfolds, additional pilot slots will become available.
Contact Chris Trott at: christ@virtualairlines.com for more information.
-Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
Fly-In Details Released
Posted Friday, November 1, 2002
The "New Transitions" Fly-In for SimNASA will be held Saturday, November 2. Pilots can leave from any NASA facility, such as KEFD, and should plan to arrive at KX68 between 1845 EST and 1945 EST. At 2000 EST there will be a brief Change of Command Ceremony, with words by Brad Hodges, Chuck Boudreaux, and Tim Luton on the SimNASA Roger Wilco channel.
Frequencies for X68 during the Fly-In will be as follows: Approach 134.950; Tower 128.550; and Ground 121.750. Both Chuck and Brad will serve as ATC. Those who would like to help work ATC must be voice rated and should contact Chuck at administrator@simnasa.org.
-Reporting: Mike Caruso, SimNASA Public Affairs Officer
|
