SimNASA Columbia Module Preparations

Preparations on the Columbia module for the currently-orbiting SimNASA virtual space station, "continues to move forward with excellent results," according to SkyLab-Columbia team engineers. Scheduled for launch on July 19, the Columbia module has completed the mating and configuration with its Saturn V launch vehicle and has moved to Launch Complex 39B. Also related to the new module, SimNASA R&D is currently testing software which would automate the process of the Columbia launch and docking, which would set the first totally automated stack in SimNASA history. "This will also serve as a big boost for the Unmanned Spaceflight Division since we can now truly do unmanned launches," stated SimNASA Administrator Brad Hodges.With the upcoming aggressive launch schedule, Launch Complex 34 was recently reactivated for the SkyLab IV/Columbia I mission. This historic site was the launch point for the SimNASA Apollo 7 mission. With this reactivation, construction has begun on Launch Complex 39A to fit the site for the upcoming Shuttle missions.