Engineers from NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are preparing to break ground for a new control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to improve the safety and efficiency of space shuttle landings. KSC engineers and air traffic controllers previewed the design choices using FutureFlight Central's 3D dynamic visualization capability.
KSC's purpose in conducting the SLF simulation was:
to validate its selected location and height of the proposed new air traffic control tower
to obtain the most usable tower interior design by employing human factors analysis before beginning expensive construction
to check for obstructions at various tower heights
FutureFlight developed the out-of-the-window view of the day and night scenes with the KSC skyline offering a vivid backdrop for multiple simulated flight operations. The day scene featured lush green vegetation lining the runways and swampy areas; the night scene dramatized the view with runway lights and high intensity xenon searchlights, thus virtually mirroring the actual environment.
FutureFlight added the orbiter, the shuttle carrier, and unique ground support vehicles as new models for this simulation. The orbiter differs in at least one major aspect from conventional aircraft: it is unpowered during reentry and landing so its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time - there is no go-around capability.
KSC tower controllers, using the new tower location's view, were able to evaluate three prospective interior tower cab configurations under varying visibility and weather conditions while virtual aircraft took off and landed. Typical KSC aircraft included T-38s, G-2s, 747's, and helicopters as well as the shuttle orbiter. In addition, various tower heights and locations were tested to validate the best height and location for the proposed tower.
The KSC controllers were able to evaluate these prospective tower cab configurations in a real time risk free environment.
FutureFlight staffer, standing in for a Kennedy controller, observing the virtual shuttle landing
FutureFlight Central is a unique NASA capability. It will optimize the working environment for our people and offer future safety training opportunities. We are fortunate to have this facility available to us as we start our new tower.
A FutureFlight Central simulation, while available for enhancing controller efficiency and safety training, perhaps offers its greatest benefit for future spaceport planning. KSC planners, using the KSC visual database model, can evaluate future technology impacts, requirements, and options well before decision time.
-- Ed Taff, NASA Shuttle Launch Facility Operations Manager
To conduct a true assessment, it is important to be able to closely replicate the workplace here lies the strength of this simulator.
FutureFlight successfully met KSCs requirements for the simulation of its new tower: the tower location was confirmed; various bush and tree obstructions were noted for future abatement; and the optimum interior cab design was selected.
The controllers were able to interact and see for the first time what their new workplace will not only look like, but how they are to operate safely in their new environment.