Lunar and Mars Lander

For the past decade and a half, Total Learning Research Institute has utilized a high-fidelity Space Shuttle simulator to teach students and teachers the principles of TEAMING.  This program involves crews launching and landing the Shuttle using detailed checklists based on actual flight activity.  It is the real thing.  Working with a Mission Control Center which has video and simulation software, the teams gain experience in a high-technology environment.

TLRI is looking to future space exploration missions  that will involve lunar and Mars exploration.  Built on the successful shuttle simulation model, the SPACE EXPLORERS Lunar and Planetary Lander operates with the same team-building parameters.  It fits in the same space as the shuttle cockpit, has the same crew of three (Commander, Pilot, and Mission Specialist), uses the same mission control, uses the same simulation software frame, and has similar length simulations.

The purpose of the new simulator was to keep the mission timely without loosing the time-tested effectiveness of the TEAMING experience.

The Lunar and Planetary Lander is being developed in a cooperative agreement with NASA to make sure that the engineering and control interfaces have the same realism as the shuttle simulator.  The flight checklists are based on actual Apollo and robotic planetary lander data.

The simulator has two missions.  The undocking from an orbital ship and descent and landing, and the ascent from the surface, rendezvous with the orbital ship and docking.

The simulator can be configured quickly for either lunar or Mars landings, and features a “glass cockpit” design to permit it to be modified as NASA refines Altair and Mars lander designs.