Design is currently under way for a first generation prototype simulator vehicle. The initial model will be housed in a 15 passenger-style cargo van, and will be capable of carrying three analog astronauts on multi-day analog exploration missions.
Read the FAQ’s below for more information!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will you convert a van into a space flight simulator? A: The rear portion of the vehicle will be sealed off from the operator cabin with a simulated pressure airlock for access (and all existing doors operational for emergency egress). The simulator cabin will house three recumbent seating positions facing a virtual reality mock up display of a space craft control panel and forward windows. Anything and everything the crew will need for their mission must be contained in the simulator vehicle — there are no stops for supplies when you’re traveling in space!
Q: Won’t it be cramped? A: Yes! For better or worse, this is an aspect of space exploration that needs to be re-recreated in any high-fidelity simulation. Astronauts have always operated in tight quarters — the Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo capsules were compared to the interior of a compact car, and future missions to the moon or Mars won’t be much different.
Q: What will you do with the Simulator Vehicle? A; The simulator vehicle will be used to conduct analog exploration missions to vehicle-accessible environments in North America that are analogous to lunar or Martian terrains (Such as America’s deserts or Arctic). Once on site, the simulator occupants would don mock space suits and perform EVA’s before boarding the simulator for the return trip. It would be a fully immersive, round trip, space travel and exploration experience. In addition, the simulator vehicle will be available for educational, outreach, and awareness use at events, promotions, or activities.
Q: Why recumbent seating? A: NASA has conducted a number of studies using bedrest as an analog for space flight/weightlessness. The effect of lying down for an extended period of time has a similar effect on the human body/mind as operating in zero G. The ELASCA simulator will transport the analog astronauts to their destination in this way so that, upon arrival, they will be in the same condition as real astronauts arriving on the moon. Transitioning from bedrest to EVA’s is a part of the simulation to recreate and research the conditions of space travel.
Q: How will the simulator occupants live and be safe inside the simulator vehicle while it is in transit? A: It will be a lot like life in a spaceship! Uncomfortable, cramped, awkward, but totally worth it for science! The recumbent seats the occupants will sit in will be DOT approved vehicle seats with safety buckles no different than your traditional automotive seat. The van will house a tiny lav compartment similar to an airplane or RV bathroom. The simulator occupants will eat pre-packaged food with a few small 12 volt appliances for heating and preparation.
At all times, there will be two out-of-sim operators in the vehicle’s front seats. In an emergency, these operators will get involved, call for help, or bring the simulator vehicle to safety. In any emergency, the simulation stops, and the simulator vehicles becomes just like any other ground transportation vehicle.
Q: What will the simulator occupants do all the time while the simulator vehicle is transporting them to their destination? A: They will be busy! The simulator programming will require them to perform all the space craft housekeeping, engineering, and navigation tasks that real astronauts would need to perform during space flight. In addition, they will be conducting simulated and real-life experiments, documenting actions, and communicating with simulated Mission control. Video, text journals, and reports will need to be created. Still, there will likely be some dead time for the crew just as there would be for a real-life space ship crew. Learning how to manage those long stretches is part of the challenge of space exploration worth experimenting with – a real window into space psychology.
Q: When will the simulator be finished? A: We are currently in the fundraising and design stage — we hope to acquire, outfit, and commission the vehicle by late 2016-early 2017.
Q: How can I get a ride in the simulator and experience space travel for myself? A: Send an e-mail to elasca.project@gmail.com! We’ll put you on the waiting list!
Q: How will the simulator vehicle contribute to future space exploration endeavors? A: As an analog research platform, the ELASCA Simulator will create an avenue to research, test, and experiment with many aspects of space exploration. Space psychology, crew interactions in isolation and confined space, logistics and supply challenges with limited transport space and operation in remote environments — these are just a few of the ways that ELASCA will contribute to the current body of research. One of the ELASCA missions goals is to build a mock spacehab using only supplies and labor transported in the simulator vehicle — recreating the challenges of construction on the Moon or Mars.
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