Space Shuttle Mission 2007: Difference between revisions
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The main purpose of ''Space Shuttle Mission 2007'' is to allow the gamer to experience real historical [[NASA]] [[Space Shuttle]] missions from liftoff (T-00:01:50:00) to landing. Initially, ''Space Shuttle Mission 2007'' was released with a set of 11 missions but as time passed, the development team has been releasing new missions as free add-ons. The missions include [[satellite]] deployment and servicing (including the [[Hubble Telescope]]), building and servicing the [[International Space Station]], numerous [[Extra-Vehicular Activity| Extra Vehicular Activities]] and landing at [[KSC]] and [[EAFB]]. |
The main purpose of ''Space Shuttle Mission 2007'' is to allow the gamer to experience real historical [[NASA]] [[Space Shuttle]] missions from liftoff (T-00:01:50:00) to landing. Initially, ''Space Shuttle Mission 2007'' was released with a set of 11 missions but as time passed, the development team has been releasing new missions as free add-ons. The missions include [[satellite]] deployment and servicing (including the [[Hubble Telescope]]), building and servicing the [[International Space Station]], numerous [[Extra-Vehicular Activity| Extra Vehicular Activities]] and landing at [[KSC]] and [[EAFB]]. |
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[[Image:SSM2007-STS-31.jpg|thumbnail|256px|STS-31 Discovery Before Releasing The Hubble]] |
[[Image:SSM2007-STS-31.jpg|thumbnail|256px|STS-31 Discovery Before Releasing The Hubble]] |
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[[Image:SSM2007-STS- |
[[Image:SSM2007-STS-51A-For_sale.jpg|thumbnail|256px|left|Extra Vehicular Activity, STS-51A]] |
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A typical mission starts on the [[Launch pad|Launch Pad]] at [[KSC]] right after the Astronauts have entered the cockpit. After that, the user goes through the Preflight, Liftoff, Ascent, On Orbit, Deorbit, Approach and Landing phases. Most of the time is spent on orbit where the user is expected to perform the mission as described in the briefing screen and as instructed by the on-screen checklists and audio communications from the MCC. Landing is performed manually following Houston instructions and realistic guidance and navigation information presented on the 9 forward panels [[MFD]] and the [[HUD]]. The action during all mission phases can be viewed from several "cameras": external view, first person, floating camera and Mission Control Center information screens. After completing the mission successfully from start to end, the virtual Astronaut receives a mission badge which is displayed in the Astronaut Achievements section. |
A typical mission starts on the [[Launch pad|Launch Pad]] at [[KSC]] right after the Astronauts have entered the cockpit. After that, the user goes through the Preflight, Liftoff, Ascent, On Orbit, Deorbit, Approach and Landing phases. Most of the time is spent on orbit where the user is expected to perform the mission as described in the briefing screen and as instructed by the on-screen checklists and audio communications from the MCC. Landing is performed manually following Houston instructions and realistic guidance and navigation information presented on the 9 forward panels [[MFD]] and the [[HUD]]. The action during all mission phases can be viewed from several "cameras": external view, first person, floating camera and Mission Control Center information screens. After completing the mission successfully from start to end, the virtual Astronaut receives a mission badge which is displayed in the Astronaut Achievements section. |
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The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulates numerous [[Space Shuttle]] systems, including the [[General Purpose Computer]], [[Remote Manipulator System]], [[APU]], [[Hydraulic]], [[CCTV]], Electrical, [[Propulsion]], [[Navigation]], [[Androgynous Peripheral Attach System| APDS (Docking System)]], [[Communications]], Payload Bay. These are intended to allow for a realistic interaction between the user and these systems throughout the mission. As the mission evolves, the simulator presents the user with an on-screen context-related checklist, indicating which systems to operate and how. In the easiest difficulty mode, the simulator indicates individual switches with flashing arrows, in addition to the checklists. In more advanced difficulty modes, the user is expected to use printed checklists to complete the mission. |
The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulates numerous [[Space Shuttle]] systems, including the [[General Purpose Computer]], [[Remote Manipulator System]], [[APU]], [[Hydraulic]], [[CCTV]], Electrical, [[Propulsion]], [[Navigation]], [[Androgynous Peripheral Attach System| APDS (Docking System)]], [[Communications]], Payload Bay. These are intended to allow for a realistic interaction between the user and these systems throughout the mission. As the mission evolves, the simulator presents the user with an on-screen context-related checklist, indicating which systems to operate and how. In the easiest difficulty mode, the simulator indicates individual switches with flashing arrows, in addition to the checklists. In more advanced difficulty modes, the user is expected to use printed checklists to complete the mission. |
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[[Image:SSM2007-KSC-Landing.jpg|thumbnail|256px|3D Virtual Cockpit during landing at KSC]] |
[[Image:SSM2007-KSC-Landing.jpg|thumbnail|256px|3D Virtual Cockpit during landing at KSC]] |
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[[Image:SSM2007-breaking_the_sound_barrier.jpg|thumbnail|256px|left|Discovery Breaking the sound barrier on ascent]] |
[[Image:SSM2007-breaking_the_sound_barrier.jpg|thumbnail|256px|left|Discovery Breaking the sound barrier on ascent]] |
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The user spends most of the time in a realistic and complete [[Virtual Reality|3D Virtual Cockpit]], manning several "stations": '''Commander''', '''Pilot''', '''Mission Specialist 1''', '''Mission Specialist 2''', and a '''Mission Specialist Middeck Position'''. The 3D Virtual Cockpit is especially effective due to the support of [[TrackIR|'''TrackIR:PRO''']] Head Tracking Device, '''Matrox''' [[TripleHead2Go|'''TripleHead2Go(tm)''']] Multiple Monitor support and the [[Head-mounted display|'''Vuzix(tm)''']] [[Virtual Reality]] [[Stereoscopic]] goggles. The in-cockpit and other environmental sounds are simulated including the engines, RCS, alarms, and cockpit cooling "humming". |
The user spends most of the time in a realistic and complete [[Virtual Reality|3D Virtual Cockpit]], manning several "stations": '''Commander''', '''Pilot''', '''Mission Specialist 1''', '''Mission Specialist 2''', and a '''Mission Specialist Middeck Position'''. The 3D Virtual Cockpit is especially effective due to the support of [[TrackIR|'''TrackIR:PRO''']] Head Tracking Device, '''Matrox''' [[TripleHead2Go|'''TripleHead2Go(tm)''']] Multiple Monitor support and the [[Head-mounted display|'''Vuzix(tm)''']] [[Virtual Reality]] [[Stereoscopic]] goggles. The in-cockpit and other environmental sounds are simulated including the engines, RCS, alarms, and cockpit cooling "humming". |
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Revision as of 10:59, 17 April 2009
| Space Shuttle Mission 2007 (The 2008 Edition) | |
|---|---|
| Space Shuttle docking at the ISS during STS-98 | |
| Developer(s) | Exciting Simulations (tm) |
| Publisher(s) | Simsquared Ltd. |
| Platform(s) | Intel or AMD PC (Windows) |
| Release | January 2008 |
| Genre(s) | Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Space Shuttle Mission 2007 (AKA SSM2007) is a Space Shuttle stand-alone mission simulator for the Microsoft Windows XP and Vista operating system. The simulator was released on January 1, 2008 after having been under development for more than six years.
Space Shuttle Mission 2007 has been developed by a team of Space Exploration enthusiasts whose idea was to bring the old and venerable Virgin Shuttle Simulator alive again and match the new PC technology by re-designing a new Space Shuttle simulator from the ground up and adding better graphics and more features. The team planned to develop Space Shuttle Mission 2007 as a freeware game, but as the project became more ambitious and significant resources had to be invested to meet the new design requirements, the team decided to release the simulator as a commercial indie project.
Outline
The main purpose of Space Shuttle Mission 2007 is to allow the gamer to experience real historical NASA Space Shuttle missions from liftoff (T-00:01:50:00) to landing. Initially, Space Shuttle Mission 2007 was released with a set of 11 missions but as time passed, the development team has been releasing new missions as free add-ons. The missions include satellite deployment and servicing (including the Hubble Telescope), building and servicing the International Space Station, numerous Extra Vehicular Activities and landing at KSC and EAFB.
A typical mission starts on the Launch Pad at KSC right after the Astronauts have entered the cockpit. After that, the user goes through the Preflight, Liftoff, Ascent, On Orbit, Deorbit, Approach and Landing phases. Most of the time is spent on orbit where the user is expected to perform the mission as described in the briefing screen and as instructed by the on-screen checklists and audio communications from the MCC. Landing is performed manually following Houston instructions and realistic guidance and navigation information presented on the 9 forward panels MFD and the HUD. The action during all mission phases can be viewed from several "cameras": external view, first person, floating camera and Mission Control Center information screens. After completing the mission successfully from start to end, the virtual Astronaut receives a mission badge which is displayed in the Astronaut Achievements section.
The Space Shuttle Mission 2007 simulates numerous Space Shuttle systems, including the General Purpose Computer, Remote Manipulator System, APU, Hydraulic, CCTV, Electrical, Propulsion, Navigation, APDS (Docking System), Communications, Payload Bay. These are intended to allow for a realistic interaction between the user and these systems throughout the mission. As the mission evolves, the simulator presents the user with an on-screen context-related checklist, indicating which systems to operate and how. In the easiest difficulty mode, the simulator indicates individual switches with flashing arrows, in addition to the checklists. In more advanced difficulty modes, the user is expected to use printed checklists to complete the mission.
The user spends most of the time in a realistic and complete 3D Virtual Cockpit, manning several "stations": Commander, Pilot, Mission Specialist 1, Mission Specialist 2, and a Mission Specialist Middeck Position. The 3D Virtual Cockpit is especially effective due to the support of TrackIR:PRO Head Tracking Device, Matrox TripleHead2Go(tm) Multiple Monitor support and the Vuzix(tm) Virtual Reality Stereoscopic goggles. The in-cockpit and other environmental sounds are simulated including the engines, RCS, alarms, and cockpit cooling "humming".
The user can zoom into various panels in a 2D view or directly select the various systems from the main menu, in real time and press buttons, turn knobs, flip switches as the mission requires. There is also constant and context-relevant mission-related audio communications between the Mission Control Center and the Space Shuttle guiding the user through the mission.
Extra Vehicular Activities are conducted in First Person View allowing the user to experience the same feeling as Astronauts' do while "space walking". In certain missions, the virtual Astronauts will also drive the Manned Maneuvering Unit to capture satellites for maintenance. Latest mission addon is the STS-47 Spacelab mission. In this mission the Astronaut can visit the Spacelab-J and float inside the lab in Zero-G just like real Astronauts.
Gameplay
This space shuttle simulation is a procedural flight sim based on actual mission flown by the space shuttle program
Original Missions
Space Shuttle Mission 2007 was released with a set of 11 missions. The initial missions set includes:
- STS-1:
- First flight of the Space Shuttle program, launched on April 12 1981.
- STS-8:
- First night launch and night landing. A satellite was launched and the RMS was tested.
- STS-41C:
- First direct ascent trajectory for a Shuttle mission. During this mission the LDEF was released and the Solar Max Satellite was captured and repaired.
- STS-26:
- The "Return to Flight" mission, being the first mission after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Launch of TDRS C using an IUS booster.
- STS-31:
- Launched the Hubble Space Telescope astronomical observatory.
- STS-88:
- First Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
- STS-96:
- First shuttle flight to dock with the International Space Station.
- STS-103:
- Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission by Space Shuttle Discovery.
- STS-121
- Carried the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the ISS.
- STS-116:
- delivered and attached the International Space Station's third port truss segment, the P5 truss.
- STS-117:
- Delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) the second starboard truss segment (the S3/S4 Truss) and its associated energy systems, including a set of solar arrays.
Addon Missions
Since initial release new free missions are periodically added by the developers. So far the additional missions include:
- STS-27:
- The first Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Spy Satellite mission.
- STS-93:
- Launch of the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
- STS-99:
- This is the famous Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
- STS-122:
- One of the latest Shuttle missions - deployed and installed the Columbus module on the International Space Station
- STS-124:
- The latest Shuttle mission - deployed and installed the Japanese Kibo module and the new Japanese Remote Manipulator System on the International Space Station
- STS-32:
- Deployment of the SYNCOM IV-F5 DoD Communications Satellite and retrieval of the LDEF Experiment Pack (launched with STS-41-C - another SSM2007 Mission)
- STS-98:
- This ISS building mission brought up the station's Destiny Module.
- STS-51A:
- This Mission was the first mission to launch two satellites and retrieve two malfunctioning ones and bring them back to Earth. It was also the last mission to use the MMU. Deployed satellites: TELESAT-H and SYNCOM IV-1. Retrieved satellites: PALAPA-B2 and WESTAR-VI.
- STS-401:
- This Mission is a contingency mission for STS-125 (HST service mission). In the event Atlantis will be declared unsafe for De-orbit (because of damage to the heat shield for example), STS-401 will take Discovery for a rescue mission.
- STS-47:
- This was the 50th Space shuttle mission. also this is the first Spacelab mission simulated in SSM2007.
Included Space Vehicles
The entire Space Shuttle fleet is included, however the simulator developers have decided that only the latest cockpit instrumentation and Space Shuttle external appearance will be depicted, for the sake of simplicity and learning curve. Therefore the models do not include the old-style mechanical gauges and all the various Space Shuttle paint jobs. In addition, each Mission includes all the related cargo and objects. from accurate build of the International Space Station (ISS) to satellites and cargo pallets.
Kennedy Space Center and Edwards Air Force Base are also extensively modeled for those are the two main sites for shuttle operations
See also
References
- Review at Avsim.com
- Review at Flightsim.com
- Review at Avionic-Online.com
- May 2008 Issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
- December 2008 Issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
- July 2008 Issue of PC Pilot Magazine
- July 2008 Issue of Computer Pilot Magazine
- Review at IGN.com
- Review at GameSpy.com
- SSM2007 Fans Wiki
- The Space Shuttle Mission Commander's Reference Manual (freely downloadable at the official website)