Rendezvous Docking Simulator

Infobox_nrhp | name =Rendezvous Docking Simulator
nrhp_type = nhl

---

caption = Rendezvous Docking Simulator
location= Hampton, Virginia
lat_degrees = 37
lat_minutes = 5
lat_seconds = 8
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 76
long_minutes = 22
long_seconds = 41
long_direction = W
locmapin = Virginia
area =
built =1963
architect= NASA
architecture= No Style Listed
designated= October 03, 1985cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1926&ResourceType=Object
title=Rendezvous Docking Simulator |accessdate=2008-04-26|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service]
added = October 03, 1985cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]
governing_body = NATIONAL AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION
refnum=85002809The Rendezvous Docking Simulator, also known as the Real-Time Dynamic Simulator, is a simulator at Langley. Constructed in 1963, it is the only surviving simulator from the Gemini and Apollo space programs that was used by astronauts to practice docking of space capsules with other vessels. Ability to dock reliably with the lunar landing module was a crucial skill essential for the mission to land on the moon.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985.citation|title=PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Text/85002809.pdf National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Rendezvous Docking Simulator / Real-Time Dynamic Simulator] |32 KB|date=May 15, 1984 |author=Harry A. Butowsky |publisher=National Park Service and PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Photos/85002809.pdf "Accompanying five photos, from 1964 and 1984"] |32 KB] citation|title=PDFlink| [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Cities/Hampton/114-0141_Rendezvous_Docking_Facility_1985_Final_Nomination.pdf National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Rendezvous Docking Simulator / Real-Time Dynamic Simulator] |32 KB|date=May 15, 1984 |author=Harry A. Butowsky |publisher=National Park Service (version at Virginia DHR, also including 5 maps showing location of Langley and the simulator within Langley) ]

Currently it is stored, hanging from the rafters in Building 1244, a vast hangar at Langley, and there are no plans for it otherwise.

References

External links

* [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Cities/Hampton/RendezvousSimulator_photo.htm Rendezvous Docking Simulator, Langley, one photo at Virginia DHR]
* [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/ Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service "Discover Our Shared Heritage" Travel Itinerary]