My group meets every Monday to discuss current issues, upcoming missions, sims, and whatnot. Two days ago, the conversation went like this:
Sean: “There’s another testing sim — an undock — coming up on Friday. We need someone to work RPS.”
Steve: “Well, Jose is our default RPS at the moment.”
Sean: “It’ll be just like a normal sim, but since it’s a test, it can’t count for certs or anything like that.”
Steve thinks for a moment and turns to me.
Steve: “Are you ready to work sims?”
Sarah: nods vigorously
Steve: “Ok, why don’t you work the undock on Friday.”
Sarah: “Really? Awesome!”
So suddenly, I have my first rendezvous sim. It’s an undock and fly-around, which is easier than a rendezvous and dock. And because it’s a test, there shouldn’t be too many crazy problems. Perfect for my first sim. Now I am very nervous, because as much as I have been wanting to sim, I didn’t think it would happen anytime soon. And realistically, I won’t get a second sim until after STS-117. But still — very exciting!
Steeeve says
Beckster, for a workout like that you want to maintain about 1 mile race pace. So, no sprinting, just hard, controlled running.
Vic says
That’s very cool that you’re getting in on that sim. You’re gonna rock!!!