Build the Most Realistic Space Shuttle Simulator

What this site is about

This website documents the development of a Space Shuttle simulator setup: software, cockpit panels, and the “simpit” approach where switches and controls matter. The author presents the project as something you can follow over time-progress updates, downloads, and practical materials that help you actually run a mission sequence instead of guessing.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand what “every button matters” really means, this is that type of sim. You’re not here to freestyle; you’re here to execute.

The core idea: realism + portability

The project is built around three non-negotiables:

• Transportable build: the simulator is intended to be easily moved and potentially built into a trailer for demonstrations.
• Maximum realism: references come from NASA documentation and real shuttle cockpit material (plans, imagery, panoramic views, footage).
• Free to use: the site positions the simulator as an educational freeware project.

This combination is exactly why the structure feels “trainer-first”: the site doesn’t try to sell hype-its value is in procedures, checklists, and cockpit logic.

S3 - the first public version you can actually run

The simulator software distributed through this project is called S3 (short for “Space Shuttle Simulator”). It is presented as the first public version available for download, with a focus on shuttle-style operation: step-by-step actions, cockpit panels, and mission flow from launch through orbit and back to landing.

Important mindset: if you treat this like a casual game, you’ll waste time. This type of simulator rewards discipline-working through a sequence, verifying states, and learning what you must monitor at each phase.

Software and cockpit hardware: built like a simpit

This project isn’t “software only.” It’s built to support physical controls and a cockpit environment. The site highlights two pillars:

• Simulation software: the site credits the shuttle sim software development to Mike Lundberg and describes the beta as highly realistic.
• Controller board: a dedicated controller board is described for driving switches, inputs, and indicators-exactly what you need when you move beyond mouse clicks and want hardware panels.

That’s the real point: a shuttle cockpit is a workflow. Hardware matters because the workload is part of the experience.

Downloads that support real procedures

The downloads are not random extras. They’re “training wheels” for realistic operation and are described as user-contributed content provided as-is. Typical materials include:

• Checklists for launch and landing, designed to guide you through getting to orbit and returning safely.
• Translated checklists contributed by the community (multiple languages).
• NASA sound packs intended for use in S3 (installed per included instructions).
• A paper Flight Deck model for learning cockpit layout and building physical understanding.

If you want results, you don’t “collect downloads.” You pick one mission flow, run it with a checklist until repeatable, then expand your cockpit complexity.

How to use this project without wasting weeks

1. Start small: run one basic sequence end-to-end (launch OR landing), not both in one day.
2. Use a checklist: don’t rely on memory-procedures exist because humans forget under workload.
3. Track what breaks: note the exact step where things go wrong (wrong switch state, missed mode change, bad timing).
4. Only then scale up: add more panels, more realism, more hardware-after you can repeat a clean run.

This is the difference between “reading about a shuttle sim” and actually learning one.