"NASA VisSim Systems Requirements"
Human Systems Integration Division
Barbara T. Sweet, Ph.D.


NASA employs simulators for a variety of research, development, and training purposes. Almost without exception, simulators in use at NASA represent ‘one-off’ designs (i.e., a simulator is built for a specific purpose). The human space program has needed to develop specialized simulators for procedure development and training, ranging from basic skill acquisition to full mission simulation. In the aeronautical realm, research simulators are also used for a wide variety of purposes, such as handling qualities and human factors research, and for advanced system development.

The unique needs related to research and/or training requirements drive the level of fidelity required in multiple domains, primarily visual, motion, and aural cueing. In this discussion, simulation systems at NASA will be reviewed and visual cueing requirements will be discussed in light of specific research and training objectives.