Training begins the moment the astronauts or flight controllers arrive at the Johnson Space Center, in Houston. It consists of basic training to develop and maintain knowledge and skills, followed by mission-specific training to prepare for an assigned Shuttle flight. Training evolves in complexity from classroom lessons and workbooks to computer-based training, standalone simulator training, and finally integrated team simulations in high-fidelity spacecraft simulators and control centers in the final weeks before a mission.
Astronaut Training
Astronaut candidates receive their basic training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, attending classes on basic science and technology, guidance and navigation, orbital dynamics, and geology. They also receive training in land and sea survival. They get their first taste of zero-gravity in the KC-135 zero gravity aircraft, also known as the ΓÇ£Vomit Comet.ΓÇ¥
Formal Shuttle training begins with computer-based training on the various Shuttle systems. The next step is single systems training which involves learning to operate those Shuttle systems using checklists and single system trainers under the guidance of an instructor.
After single systems training, the astronauts graduate to more complex flight training in the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) ΓÇô a working, high fidelity replica of the actual Space Shuttle crew compartment. The SMS provides for integrated task training in all phases of flight ΓÇô pre-launch, ascent, orbit, entry and landing. Lessons range from tasks as simple as sending a fax from space to more complex activities like reconfiguring Shuttle computers and operating experiments.
In the Mockup and Trainer Facility, they use full-scale crew compartment mockups for habitation training and system orientations. Astronauts who may operate the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) train there with a hydraulically operated mechanical arm, learning to move objects into and out of a full-scale mockup of the OrbiterΓÇÖs payload bay.
Astronauts train for space walks at the Sonny Carter Training Facility in the Neutral Bouyancy Laboratory (NBL) which uses a huge pool and buoyancy-controlled suits and objects to emulate zero-gravity.
Pilots get additional flight training in the Shuttle Training Aircraft ΓÇô a modified Gulfstream II which responds to pilots much like a Space Shuttle would during approach and landing. They maintain their razor-sharp piloting skills and reflexes by frequently flying T-38 training jets.
Flight Controller Training
Flight controllers also receive basic training in all Shuttle systems and flight operations disciplines. Once assigned to a specific system or flight operations discipline, they must be come experts in that particular area ΓÇô understanding how the Orbiter system works, knowing the procedures and ground rules for operating those systems and learning the skills and discipline needed to work in Mission Control.
Flight controller training also evolves in complexity from books and manuals to single system trainers and console trainers. Eventually, they will train in the Mission Control Center as part of a team of experts representing every key system or aspect of Space Shuttle operations.
The job of the instructors is to ensure that the Shuttle crew, the Space Station crew and the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center are well prepared for any situation that may arise during the course of a mission, both planned and unplanned.
Before each mission, flight controllers and astronaut crews train together in joint integrated simulations that link the SMS with MCC to create a flight-like environment for the final phase of preparation, assuring that the entire team is "go" for flight.
