The Rendezvous Docking Simulator, also known as the Real-Time Dynamic Simulator, is a

simulator A simulation is an imitative representation of a process or system that could exist in the real world. In this broad sense, simulation can often be used interchangeably with model. Sometimes a clear distinction between the two terms is made, in ...

at the

Langley Research Center The Langley Research Center (LaRC or NASA Langley), located in Hampton, Virginia, near the Chesapeake Bay front of Langley Air Force Base, is the oldest of NASA's field centers. LaRC has focused primarily on aeronautical research but has also ...

. It was constructed for the Gemini program in Building 1244 and it became operational in June 1963 at a cost of $320,000Hangar – NasaCRgis
/ref> and later reconfigured for the Apollo program. The simulator consists of a

gantry A gantry is an overhead bridge-like structure supporting equipment such as a crane, signals, or cameras. Devices and structures *Gantry (medical), cylindrical scanner assembly used for medical 3D-imaging or treatment *Gantry (transport), an over ...

frame, with an overhead carriage from which test craft were suspended by cables. A

gimbal A gimbal is a pivoted support that permits rotation of an object about an axis. A set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal pivot axes, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain independent of ...

was powered hydraulically and was capable of changing pitch and yaw at a rate of 1 radian per second or roll at 2 radians per second. The gantry also moved like an overhead crane using electric motors and was capable of travelling longitudinally at up to , laterally at up to and vertically at up to . It is the only surviving simulator from the

NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...

Gemini Gemini most often refers to: * Gemini (constellation), one of the constellations of the zodiac * Gemini (astrology), an astrological sign Gemini may also refer to: Science and technology Space * Gemini in Chinese astronomy, the Gemini constellat ...

and

Apollo Apollo is one of the Twelve Olympians, Olympian deities in Ancient Greek religion, ancient Greek and Ancient Roman religion, Roman religion and Greek mythology, Greek and Roman mythology. Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, mu ...

space programs that was used by astronauts to practice docking of space capsules with other vessels. Ability to dock reliably with the

Apollo Lunar Module The Apollo Lunar Module (LM ), originally designated the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), was the lunar lander spacecraft that was flown between lunar orbit and the Moon's surface during the United States' Apollo program. It was the first crewed sp ...

was a crucial skill essential for the mission to return from the Moon. The docking simulator was used alongside the Projection Planetarium in training exercises. It was declared a

National Historic Landmark A National Historic Landmark (NHL) is a National Register of Historic Places property types, building, district, object, site, or structure that is officially recognized by the Federal government of the United States, United States government f ...

in 1985. Currently it is stored, hanging from the rafters in Building 1244, a vast hangar at Langley, and there are no plans for it otherwise. File:Rendezvous_Docking_Simulator_-_GPN-2000-001278.jpg, Multi exposure of Rendezvous Docking Simulator in use File:LRC Rendezvous Docking Simulator controls.jpg, Simulator controls File:1967 Docking Simulator.jpg, Simulating docking the lunar and command modules in lunar orbit in 1967

References

External links

*
Rendezvous Docking Simulator, Langley, one photo at Virginia DHRAviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service ''Discover Our Shared Heritage'' Travel ItineraryNASA Langley Cultural Resources: Rendezvous Docking Simulator
{{National Register of Historic Places in Virginia Transportation buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Virginia National Historic Landmarks in Virginia Buildings and structures in Hampton, Virginia Langley Research Center National Register of Historic Places in Hampton, Virginia Transportation buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places Apollo program facilities Project Gemini

See also

References

External links