December 2002
vNWS Weather Guide to be Distributed
Posted Tuesday, December 31, 2002
The Virtual National Weather Service (vNWS), a division of SimNASA devoted to the study of weather using both aircraft and related scientific intruments, will soon release "A Pilot's Guide to Weather" to be used by SimNASA pilots for training and efficient weather study by those in the vNWS program.
Once the guide is approved by SimNASA Staff, it shall be distributed appropriately.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
What is to Come of the X-24B?
Posted Monday, December 30, 2002
Insiders from the SimNASA aircraft design team have hinted at the possible future release of the X-24B. Although tight security surround the details of this project, members of the general public report sighting this odd-shaped aircraft sitting in an open SimNASA hangar and during short low-level flights.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Launch Pad Prepped for SkyLab; Station Construction Continues
Posted Monday, December 30, 2002
Launch Complex LC39B is now being refitted for use in the SimNASA SkyLab/Newton Project. According to construction team managers, the changes are necessary in order to fit the modified Saturn V with the Skylab/Newton stack.
Construction on the SkyLab/Newton station itself has also seen progress. Much of the structural work has been erected, and now the extraction mechanism for the solar panels are being prepped. Plans for the station telescope have been arranged and should be fitted to the main structure shortly.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
SimNASA BOTA Team Nears Selection Deadline
Posted Sunday, December 29, 2002
SimNASA BOTA Team Leader, K.S. Weber, has been reviewing applications for the "Battle of the Airlines" competition. Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2003. Weber states, "the application process is going well and we have several interested and talented pilots."
Pilots interested in joining the SimNASA BOTA Team should email K.S. Weber at: av8rkw@aol.com.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
"Wild" On Aircraft
Posted Sunday, December 29, 2002
Bill Mullins, SimNASA Director of the Atmospheric Design Department, today announced Troy Wild as his Deputy Director.
This position was opened to assist Bill, "with design, construction and painting of the fleet. The primary function will be to coordinate the acquisition/modification/building of new aircraft," according to the position description details.
Let us all congratulate Troy Wild on his promotion. We look forward to seeing new and improved SimNASA aircraft and scenery from this dynamic team.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Project SkyLab/Newton Details Announced
Posted Monday, December 23, 2002
SimNASA Administrator, Chuck Boudreaux announced the official opening of Project SkyLab/Newton. A concise document outlining the future of this project is now available at the SimNASA website at: http://www.simnasa.org/skylab-newton.
"As the SimNASA Apollo Program comes to a close, it is time for the organization to move forward with the master plan laid out in the recent State of SimNASA document from the Administrator. The next manned spaceflight program which SimNASA will engage in is Project Skylab. This will be a program similar to that in the NASA historical record by the same name. Skylab was the first NASA attempt to develop a manned space-based science platform for scientific study. While it suffered some initial difficulties, Skylab went on to be a major American triumph and paved the way for NASA’s current participation in the International Space Station program," Boudreax states.
The Administrator announced the following Astronauts have been selected for this historic undertaking:
Bradley Hodges, Commander
Chuck Boudreaux, Commander
Shawn Veinot, Commander
Jim Aylor, Pilot
Drew Hosick, Pilot
Chris Keever, Pilot
Brian Lang, Pilot
Sergej Puksic, Pilot
Kilo Watt, Science Pilot
KS Weber, Science Pilot
Troy Wild, Science Pilot
Mike Caruso, Science Pilot
Daniel Joshi, Science Pilot
Daniel Lopez, Science Pilot
Jeff Parker, Science Pilot
The first phase, Phase Alpha, will consist of five Apollo launches between February 1 and June 7, 2003.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
SPLASHDOWN! Apollo 17 Heroes Return!
Posted Monday, December 23, 2002
At 01:31:21 UT Apollo 17 "America" splashed down near Hawaii at coordinates: N19' 3.60" W156' 36.6". Once aboard the recovery aircraft, CDR. Hodges had a few minutes with reporters and stated, "We were so close to the main island of Oahu that several citizens could see the parachutes of Apollo 17 as it descended to the ocean."
The crew of Apollo 17, Brad "Rocketman" Hodges, Troy "Wildman" Wild and, K.S. "Checkmate" Weber are reported to all be safe and currently resting.
The mission consisted of five EVA's with a total moon surface time of 12 hours 41 minutes and 17 seconds. Over 270 pounds of samples were collected for scientific study. The total Apollo 17 mission time is: 15 days, 18 hours, 31 minutes, and 21 seconds.
The crew now begins their trek back to Edwards Air Force Base, via a five hour flight from Honolulu aboard the SimNASA aircraft Falcon 50, to be flown by Chris Keever.
In a final official statement, the Apollo 17 crew released: "It is the hope of this crew, that the return to the moon will not be delayed. That we will return before the end of next year with craft
that will allow us to conduct extended stays on the moon."
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Approaches Earth
Posted Saturday, December 21, 2002
Apollo 17 continues its return to Earth, soon reaching the point where the gravitational pull between the Earth and Moon cancel each other out. CMP Troy Wild will get some spacewalk time, when we performs the EVA to retrieve the film canisters from their locations on the exterior of the spacecraft.
"We have been in space now for fourteen days, and it hard to believe that we have been out this long," CDR. Hodges told reporters just before their rest period last night, "It almost seems like a dream that we were just at Tarsus-Littrow this time last week."
Splashdown is targeted for: 0133UT December 23 (1833MT Dec. 22) near Hawaii. SimNASA ARIA aircraft are prepped and ready to assist in tracking of the returning capsule.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
vJPL Acquires New Rocket
Posted Friday, December 20, 2002
The vJPL, the Unmanned Space Program of SimNASA, has recently obtained a new Atlas-Centaur rocket for use in the 2003 mission plans.
Upcoming missions include the exploration of other planets, other moons, Lunar exploration, and Earth-monitoring.
The rocket is composed of the following:
Booster - Atlas MA-5
Stage 1 - Atlas SLV-3D
Stage 2 - Centaur D/E
Stage 3 - 60 Lb. Payload Booster Engine
Fairing - (2)
Payload
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Call For Pilots: BOTA 2003
Posted Thursday, December 19, 2002
SimNASA today is looking for pilots to represent our Organization in the "Battle of the Airlines" Trophy (BOTA) competition.
The BOTA competition is an eight-week race, starting February 3, 2003, among virtual airlines, virtual air groups, and related racing individuals, using FS2002 and the free software provided by the race officials. One stage of the race is performed each week. All FS2002 aircraft, scenery, and flightplans will be provided by the BOTA Organization.
The year's competition is called "Mission: MOON", which should be a familiar zone for SimNASA. The BOTA race consists of a set of eight adventure-type flights which, "will take you to some of the most exciting places on the Western hemisphere and ultimately to where no flightsimmer has gone before... the Moon!" according to BOTA race officials.
This year, the SimNASA BOTA Team will be led by our own K.S. "Checkmate" Weber. Weber has been a member of SimNASA since March 2001 and spent numerous hours flying various aircraft and planning missions. He has been a member of the Gemini program, and is now the LMP aboard the soon-to-return Apollo 17.
If you would like to join the SimNASA BOTA Team, contact K.S. Weber at: av8rkw@aol.com for more information, questions, or to sign-up. Weber is looking for individuals who work well in a team situation, and will dedicate themselves to finishing the race once they have joined.
For additional details, check the official BOTA website at:
http://www.planetaviation.com/virtualairlines/battle/
This is an excellent opportunity to show our colors, especially since this is to the "Moon". Let's show the virtual world how REAL pilots fly!
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Relaxing for Now, Much To Do Soon
Posted Thursday, December 19, 2002
The crew of Apollo 17 has had a relatively quiet time lately - much deserved after such an intense EVA schedule! The crew has finished taking a photographic survey of potential manned lunar base locations. The Apollo 10 site was photographed with such detail that the shadow of the decent stage left behind was noticed.
Apollo 17 now makes preparation for the upcoming Trans Earth Injection (TEI)burn. This burn should place the team in time for a splashdown time of 0130 UT Dec 23rd.
"The crew is excited about heading home especially, as the holidays are fast approaching," CDR. Hodges told reporters, "the next few days will happen pretty rapidly."
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
New SimNASA Record Set By Apollo 17!
Posted Wednesday, December 18, 2002
Apollo 17 has broken the record for SimNASA, as well as the rest of the VATSIM community, for "Most Time In Space" now that the mission reached eleven days - and four days still remain.
"America" and "Columbia" docked late yesterday at 20:59:30 UT, bringing all three members of the crew back together again. After an hour-long transfer of materials, "Columbia" was jettisoned and later impacted the Moon at coordinates: 150.353 East, 016.847 South.
CDR. Hodges said a soft good-bye to LM "Columbia" with, "She served us well and performed flawlessly, except for the rendezvous radar problem, which was corrected."
Apollo 17 now begins its voyage back to the big blue marble, our home, Earth.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Leaves Lunar Surface
Posted Tuesday, December 17, 2002
After a delay, the Lunar Module has begun its ascent from the Moon. Just seconds before ascent was to begin, LM "Columbia" the on-board radar fell to stand-by mode. The procedure was delayed until late Monday, when the necessary systems were repaired and "Columbia" successfully lifted off the lunar surface. Currently, "Columbia" is accelerating toward the Command Service Module "America". Docking must take place soon, as the astronauts shall soon be out of consumables. CDR. Hodges reported, "We are running on the razor's edge, but we are confident that we will make it in time."
Although the docking between "Columbia" and "America" should take place soon, the mission is far from over. The bountiful materials collected from the Moon will be transferred to "America" and then the Astronauts will perform a photographic exercise for preliniary work on SimNASA's return to the Moon. This two-day photographic mapping mission will shoot potential sites for a future SimNASA Manned Lunar Base.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Final EVA for Apollo 17; Preparations for Home
Posted Sunday, December 15, 2002
The final EVA for Apollo 17 occured today, with the naming of "Little Mountain" a small hill near Bear Mountain in the Tarsus-Lithrow region of the Moon, as well as the craters "Merlyn" and "Arthur".
The last core and related geological samples have been loaded into the appropriate slots within the LEM, and final instrument readings have been made.
CDR. Hodges performed one last act among the rocks, dust, and craters by completing a demonstration using a baseball bat and two softballs to show the effects of gravity on the moon. A tee was used to hold the softballs while they were hit - at low and high velocities.
The EVA ended with these words from CDR. Hodges: "As we came in peace, so we leave in peace, and in peace we shall return. To once again explore other worlds, such as these, for the betterment of man, to extend his knowledge not only of himself, but of his fellow man and the worlds he will explore. God bless all of us, and God bless all the good people of the planet Earth."
The final lunar footprint to be made by SimNASA in the Apollo Mission series was left at 00:01:13 UT, 16 December 2002.
Accent of the LEM upper stage should occur at 1635 UT, with the rendezvous with AMERICA approximately 10 hours later.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17: You, Me, and the LRV
Posted Sunday, December 15, 2002
Apollo 17 continues to collect samples and data with even more EVA's.
EVA #3, a mighty 3 hours and 4 minute ordeal, had our Astronauts at craters Henry, Camelot, and Cochise. During the EVA, CDR. Hodges and LMP Weber also visited the North Massif and the Sculptured Hills. it was during the drive to the North Massif that SimNASA experienced a little "car trouble". Due to the talcum powder-like surface of much of the Moon, the LRV (Lunar Roving Vehicle) hit a small hidden bolder, damaging the front left fender. "The First Lunar Mechanic" CDR. Hodges spot-repaired the fender and the journey continued. The accident also knocked out communication with Houston, but quick realignment of the antenna remedied the situation.
The fourth EVA brought Hodges and Weber to crater Sherlock. Sherlock is the first of four craters in this area which the SimNASA Apollo 17 would name. The location was deemed "Freiheit", which is German for "Liberty".
After leaving Freiheit the next mission stop was to a series of three relatively small geological areas which the Apollo 17 crew named them as "Schmitt", for Dr. Harrison Schmitt of the NASA Apollo 17 crew, "Hugo", for author Victor Hugo and "Stein", for the SimNASA founder and first administrator Keith Stein. The exploration ended at the craters Emory and Steno.
SimNASA's Apollo 15 re-enacted the Gravity Experiment, thus appropriately SimNASA's Apollo 17 re-enacted the golf demonstation. LMP Weber hit several golf balls with a 1-iron - several of which were sent quite a distance.
Most of the EVA's for Apollo 17 would not be possible without the LRV. In a brief interview, CDR. Hodges spoke to reporters "[The LRV is]a piece of fantastic equipment... very rugged, however not invincible, as is indicated in our lunar accident. Consisting of several batteries, four independent motors, and several areas in which to hang our collection bags, the LRV is more than adequate to the task it performs in our mission. It has no problem in climbing this mountainous region of the moon, although there are some limitations as to the how steep of an inclination it will climb. I enjoy it and look forward to our final two EVA’s with this excellent piece of equipment after I fix that fender."
When asked about how the LRV compares to the SUV's of Earth, CDR. Hodges responded, "During the last day, if we have some free time, I am looking forward to doing some serious four-wheeling."
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
EVA #2 "Rocks" the Moon
Posted Thursday, December 12, 2002
Apollo 17 recently completed its second EVA to collect numerous samples of lunar samples. CDR. Hodges and LMP Weber, through the use of the Lunar Rover, were able to visit craters Horatio, Bronte, Shorty, and Camelot. Geological studies in these areas yielded a great deal of data to be later analyzed by SimNASA scientists.
An interesting sample was collected at the final stop for EVA #2, Camelot. For in this section, our Astronauts discovered an orange-colored rock-substance. Dumbfounded as to the origin of a matter with such a color on the Moon, the Astronauts had to re-view the color both with the helmet visors down and up to be sure and it was truly orange. This region was thoroughly photographed, and several samples of this abnormally hard material was collected.
The EVA ended with instrumentation checks and general housekeeping. This EVA lasted a total time of 2 hrs 38 minutes.
Pictures of this EVA and the mission thus far are located in the Archives section of the Apollo Program portion of this website.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
NASA Apollo 17 and SimNASA Apollo 17
Posted Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the landing of the NASA Apollo 17 Moon landing. Apollo 17, the last manned mission to the moon, launched on Dec. 7, 1972 and landed on the lunar surface on Dec. 11. CDR. Eugene Cernan, CMP Ronald Evans, and LMP Harrison Schmitt served on the crew.
SimNASA Apollo 17, also the Organization's last Apollo mission, launched Dec. 7 and landed Dec. 10. SimNASA insiders have quietly stated that future Lunar missions are part of its very long-term plans.
It is a tribute to the hard work and sacrifices made by the men and women of NASA that SimNASA strives to promote through virtual missions such as this.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Lands on Moon, Completes First EVA
Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Apollo 17 wasted no time with landing on the Moon. CDR. Hodges and LMP Weber descended and landed LEM "Columbia" on the lunar surface - just 470 meters shy of the targeted location of the Tarsus-Littrow Moon region. CMP Wild remains in the CSM "America" to monitor lunar events.
The first EVA for this mission took place approximately two hours after the lunar landing. During this two-hour EVA for Hodges and Weber the objectives were to setup the ALSEP (Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package), and test the Lunar Vehicle Rover (LRV).
The team planted the U.S. flag and set-up a troublesome TV camera, which was repaired once the secondary bypass cable was reconnected to the camera. Demonstrating the durability of the TV camera, CDR. Hodges remarked to the listening public, "I'll fix this piece of junk".
Additional lunar excursions continue, as EVA #2 begins Thursday morning.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Enters Lunar Orbit
Posted Monday, December 9, 2002
Today Apollo 17 entered orbit around the Moon. The process went without incident as veteran SimNASA astronauts, CDR. Brad Hodges, CMP Troy Wild, and LMP K.S. Weber were at the helm.
Upon the first pass the target area for this mission, CDR. Hodges stated, "I'm looking at the Tarsus-Lithow region, it looks beautiful down there."
Apollo 17 marks an important milestone for SimNASA. Alex Schlesinger, Director of Flight Logistics, summed the event perfectly: "This is a great day - only a year ago, SimNASA was in the Mercury Program."
Apollo 17 will orbit the Moon while preparing for tomorrow's lunar descent.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Media Feeds
Posted Monday, December 9, 2002
Apollo 17, which is expect to go into Lunar Orbit in just under an hour, now is providing a continous audio as well as telemetry and video feed to the SimNASA site.
For those interested in listening to Apollo 17 event please go the SimNASA Research and Development site at http://www.simnasa.org/r&d
Apollo 17 Rapidly Closing In On the Moon
Posted Monday, December 9, 2002
As Apollo 17 approaches the Moon, all Apollo 17 related numbers are "Right on the Mark", according to SimNASA officials.
"Apollo 17 appears to be a relatively quiet mission thus far", reporters have noticed. This mission has been filled with routine checks, tests, and filter changes. This is not a bad thing - as this suggests nothing out of the ordinary is taking place.
Apollo 17 soon shall enter Lunar orbit, and then the pace of the mission will dramatically increase due to the number of EVA's planned.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
LIVE Shots from Apollo 17
Posted Monday, December 9, 2002
All members of the general public and SimNASA members alike are invited to watch updated views from the current Apollo mission.
By clicking on the "Current Launch Information" link, you are taken to a screen which updates every minute, showing views of Apollo 17.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
DATABASE ON-LINE
Posted Sunday, December 8, 2002
The database is now back on line. All pilot are highly encouraged to review their records for correctness and report any errors to the the SimNASA staff.
Apollo 17 - An Excellent Start
Posted Sunday, December 8, 2002
The Apollo 17 mission has begun with the level of excellence and duty to mission that all have come to expect from SimNASA. A successful launch on December 7 at 0700 UT, followed by reaching a perfect Earth orbit, and then the translunar injection burn all started the mission with little for the crew to worry about.
The LEM "Columbia" has been extracted and preparations are now underway for a Mid-Course Correction burn, which will align Apollo 17 for arrival at the Moon.
Apollo 17 is scheduled to arrive in a Lunar orbit by this Tuesday.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Database OFF-LINE
Posted Saturday, December 7, 2002
The database has been taken off line for maintenance. It should be back on line by the end of the weekend. We are sorry for this problem, but it was necessary to take the database down for some overdue maintenance.
Preparations "Wrapping Up" on Eve of Apollo 17
Posted Friday, December 6, 2002
Apollo 17 launches tomorrow, according to SimNASA sources.
SimNASA's Weather Service (vNWS) is constantly watching all atmospheric conditions around the launch area, the Saturn rocket is in the midst of its final checks while sitting on SimNASA Launch Complex 39A, the Range aircraft have been prepped, local ATC have been notified, ARIA aircraft are on station, the ground crews have been organized, and the Apollo 17 crew is finishing their final full dress rehearsal.
Members of general public wishing to view the Apollo 17 launch are invited to check the under the "Current Launch Info" for the "Spectator Viewing Instructions" section of this website for details.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Mission Control Team Openings Available
Posted Tuesday, December 3, 2002
There are still positions available to those SimNASA pilots and astronauts wishing to participate as a member of the Apollo 17 Mission Control Team.
The following positions are open:
1. FIDO - Flight Dynamics Officer - for Blue Team (second team)
2. INCO - Integrated Communcations Officer - Requires Voice Rating on VATSIM
3. GC - Ground Control - Requires Voice Rating on VATSIM
4. T-38 Pilots, (two openings remain) - Must be in the Virtual Astronaut Program (VAP).
Virtual Astronaut Candidates need MCC credit for future promotions, and most of these postions qualify in some cases.
Please contact the Director of Flight Logistics, Alex Schlesinger at:
ajs623@latitude3k.com
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
ARIA Aircraft Depart to Apollo 17 Mission Station
Posted Tuesday, December 3, 2002
Today the ARIA aircraft departed Patrick AFB headed for Honolulu, Hawaii. The ARIA or "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. These aircraft will be used to track and relay the Apollo 17 spacecraft data during launch, orbit, return, and re-entry.
Thus far, Richard Stoffel (ARIA022), and Richard Douglas (ARIA024) have departed - both under the supervision of Chris Trott, the ARIA Project Director.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 17 Just Days From Launch
Posted Tuesday, December 3, 2002
Apollo 17, the sixth and final Apollo mission for SimNASA, will launch December 7 at 0657UT (1:57 AM EST) from SimNASA's Launch Complex 39A, Cape Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
CDR. Brad Hodges, CMP Troy Wild, and LMP K.S. Weber, will use Command Service Module "America" and Lunar Module "Columbia" to reach the Tarsus-Littrow region of the moon. This will be the longest duration Apollo mission for SimNASA, a period of 10 - 18 days.
This launch will be a spectator-viewable launch on VATSIM. Spectators will need to download the SimNASA Saturn V CSL file. It is also recommended that any spectators also download the Kennedy Space Center add-on scenery. Full information is available at:
http://www.simnasa.org/clu.html.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
Apollo 15 Astronauts Finally Home
Posted Monday, December 2, 2002
Today, the Apollo 15 crew arrived on American soil for the first time since launching from Cape Kennedy over two weeks ago. Carrying the astronauts was NASA1, piloted by SimNASA pilot Chris Trott, which landed at Vandenberg AFB after flying from Tahiti via Hickam AFB.
During their trip from Tahiti, the crew was joined by an injured crew member from the Virtual United States Coast Guard Cutter "Rush", who was transported to Hickam AFB to be treated and then returned to duty.
The crew will remain at Vandenberg for the day to conduct press interviews and undergo medical examinations before they leave early tomorrow afternoon for Ellington Field, where they will be greeted by an offical ceremony as well as a party in their honor.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
New Acting Director of Flight Logistics Appointed
Posted Monday, December 2, 2002
Today Chuck Boudreaux, SimNASA Administrator announced at the morning press conference that Alex Schlesinger has been appointed the Acting Director of Flight Logistics.
Alex Schlesinger has bountiful experience in flight logistics. He has acted as GUIDO and FIDO for previous SimNASA missions, as well as Flight for most of the Apollo 15 mission. Now, Alex will lead his "Silver Team" as Flight Director for the upcoming Apollo 17 mission. The Flight Logistics Division is undergoing a major overhaul, and Schlesinger will be an integral part of this modified division. Details regarding these changes shall come shortly.
In the past, Schlesinger was the Public Affairs Officer for SimNASA and a founding member of the Virtual United States Marine Corp - currently undergoing VATSIM recognition.
We all welcome Alex back to the SimNASA Staff. Alex may be reached at lct@simnasa.org.
- Reporting for SimNASA: Mike Caruso, Public Affairs Officer
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