For spaceflight enthusiasts, Space Shuttle Mission Simulator 2007 (SSMS) remains one of the most celebrated and ruthlessly accurate aerospace simulators ever created. Developed by Excelsior, the title demands that players memorize massive, 1,000-page NASA checklists and master complex orbital mechanics just to execute a single mission.
Extreme shifts between direct sunlight and orbital shadow cause materials to expand and contract violently.
: Users can participate in " Synch Launch Events ," where they perform synchronized launches in real-time alongside actual NASA missions.
Technicians refined the mechanical and manual spraying techniques for the foam to ensure a seamless, uniform layer that was far less prone to cracking under aerodynamic stress. In-Orbit Inspections: Verifying a "Crack-Free" Shield
The main objectives of the STS-118 mission were: space shuttle mission 2007 crack free
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In addition to these missions, 2007 also saw the launch of STS-120, which carried a crew of seven astronauts to the ISS on October 23, 2007. This mission was notable for its use of a new, more efficient fuel cell system, which provided power to the shuttle during its mission.
The repair worked perfectly. The array was safely tensioned, and Discovery returned home to a celebratory landing. Safety, Inspection, and Legacy
This proactive approach was key to ensuring the tank did not shed large pieces of foam during launch, ensuring the shuttle's journey toward orbit was as clean as possible. STS-117 Launch and Small Foam Liberation : Users can participate in " Synch Launch
In 2007, for the first time, astronauts used a hand-held backscatter imager during a spacewalk. This device could:
Astronauts used the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS)—a 50-foot extension attached to the shuttle's robotic arm. Equipped with laser scanners and high-resolution cameras, the crew spent hours scanning the leading edges of the wings and the nose cap, looking for the tiniest cracks or pits caused by space debris or launch impacts. The R-Bar Pitch Maneuver
On August 21, 2007, Endeavour glided to a flawless landing at Kennedy Space Center. Post-landing inspections confirmed the accuracy of NASA's engineering models. The damaged tile had charred, but it remained structurally sound and crack-free throughout the entire re-entry corridor, keeping the underlying aluminum skin perfectly protected.
During the launch of in August, a piece of foam insulation struck the belly of Endeavour , carving a 3.5-inch by 2-inch gouge into the thermal tiles. This mission was notable for its use of
The large foam ramps that previously cracked and shed foam were replaced with electric heaters to prevent ice buildup, eliminating the dangerous foam masses entirely.
Fortunately, during the 2007 mission, the RCC panels on Endeavour were found to be crack-free, indicating that the Shuttle's thermal protection system was in excellent condition. This was a significant finding, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of NASA's maintenance and inspection procedures.
: Players can flip switches, rotate knobs, and manage the orbiter's General Purpose Computers (GPCs) .