The translation and docking simulator

Abstract

This article describes the Translation and Docking Sim ulator (TDS) used to support the Gemini as well as the Apollo space flight programs. The simulator was origi nally conceived, designed, built, and operated as a Gem ini simulator. The six-degrees-of-freedom relative mo tion of the crew station was simulated with an actual out-the-window view of docking and with the actual spacecraft controls as major parts of the simulation. Then at the conclusion of the Gemini program, the simulator was modified to simulate the Lunar Module (LM) active lunar orbital docking with the Command and Service Module (CSM) for the Apollo program. A LM crew station replaced the Gemini as the active vehi cle, and a CSM mockup replaced the Agena as the pas sive, or target vehicle. Again, primary attention was given to simulation of the out-the-window view of dock ing and to controls in the crew station. Typical opera tions consist of one-hour to one-and-a-half-hour train ing sessions. During the session lighting configurations are varied and system malfunctions are simulated.

In the Gemini and Apollo programs docking is ac complished by a crew member using onboard maneuver ing systems while relying on his own judgment of relative positions and rates as determined by viewing the target vehicle through a spacecraft window. To develop the skill required, crew members have used several training devices, one of which is the TDS.