Trainees Honored: Langley Researcher, March 6, 1970 page 6. Six staff members instructed the trainees in various subjects Horace Bellamy, Fred Eichenbrenner,Thomas Hall, Evelyn Myers, Eloise McGehee, and Katherine Johnson.
Office of Equal Opertunity Program Staff Trainers
 Artists used paintbrushes and airbrushes to recreate the lunar surface on each of the four models comprising the LOLA simulator. Project LOLA or Lunar Orbit and Landing Approach was a simulator built at Langley to study problems related to landing on the lunar surface. It was a complex project that cost nearly  2 million dollars. James Hansen wrote:  This simulator was designed to provide a pilot with a detailed visual encounter with the lunar surface  the machine consisted primarily of a cockpit, a closed-circuit TV system, and four large murals or scale models representing portions of the lunar surface as seen from various altitudes. The pilot in the cockpit moved along a track past these murals which would accustom him to the visual cues for controlling a spacecraft in the vicinity of the moon. Unfortunately, such a simulation--although great fun and quite aesthetic--was not helpful because flight in lunar orbit posed no special problems other than the rendezvous with the LEM, which the device did not simulate. Not long after the end of Apollo, the expensive machine was dismantled.  (p. 379) Ellis J. White described the simulator as follows:  Model 1 is a 20-foot-diameter sphere mounted on a rotating base and is scaled 1 in.   9 miles. Models 2,3, and 4 are approximately 15x40 feet scaled sections of model 1. Model 4 is a scaled-up section of the Crater Alphonsus and the scale is 1 in.   200 feet. All models are in full relief except the sphere.  -- Published in James R. Hansen, Spaceflight Revolution: NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo, (Washington: NASA, 1995), p. 379  Ellis J. White,  Discussion of Three Typical Langley Research Center Simulation Programs,  Paper presented at the Eastern Simulation Council (EAI s Princeton Computation Center), Princeton, NJ, October 20, 1966.
LOLA Project Artists
Portrait of Katherine Johnson
Portrait of Katherine Johnson
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley Research Center Samuel J. Scott  on the right.
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley, Samuel J. Scott
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.   Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
Astronaut James Lovell at the controls of the Visual Docking Simulator. From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27-December 1, 1966. "This facility was [later known as the Visual-Optical Simulator.] It presents to the pilot an out-the-window view of his target in correct 6 degrees of freedom motion. The scene is obtained by a television camera pick-up viewing a small-scale gimbaled model of the target." "For docking studies, the docking target picture was projected onto the surface of a 20-foot-diameter sphere and the pilot could, effectively, maneuver into contract. this facility was used in a comparison study with the Rendezvous Docking Simulator - one of the few comparison experiments in which conditions were carefully controlled and a reasonable sample of pilots used. All pilots preferred the more realistic RDS visual scene. The pilots generally liked the RDS angular motion cues although some objected to the false gravity cues that these motions introduced. Training time was shorter on the RDS, but final performance on both simulators was essentially equal. " "For station-keeping studies, since close approach is not required, the target was presented to the pilot through a virtual-image system which projects his view to infinity, providing a more realistic effect. In addition to the target, the system also projects a star and horizon background. "
Visual Docking Moon Simulator
Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Astronaut Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. at NASA Langley Lunar Research Facility, Gantry test at night. Haise was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 13 (April 11-17, 1970) and has logged 142 hours and 54 minutes in space.
Astronaut Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. at NASA Langley Lunar Research Facility
Apollo/Saturn 1B aerodynamic integrity.Jacket description is Ground Wind Loads Effect on SA5 in TDT. Person in 63-1637 is Engineer Thomas A. Byrdsong checks the Apollo/Saturn 1B ground-wind-loads model  in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel.
LRC-1963-B701_P-01637
During a nighttime training session, a multiple exposure captures the movement of the Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (LEMS). The LEMS was a manned vehicle used to familiarize the Apollo astronauts with the handling characteristics of lunar-landing type vehicle.  The Apollo Program is best known for the astronaut Neal Armstrong s first step on the Moon July 20, 1969. In its earliest test period, the LEMS featured a helicopter crew cabin atop the lunar landing module. Later, the helicopter crew cabin was replaced with a stand-up rectangular cabin which was more efficient for controlling maneuvers and for better viewing by the pilot.  The vehicle was designed at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.  This multiple exposure shows a simulated Moon landing of the (LEMS) trainer at Langley s Lunar Landing Research Facility.  -- Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication (page 70), by James Shultz. Also published in  " A Century at Langley" by Joseph Chambers, pg. 93.
Lunar Lander night sequence (Langley)
Astronaut Edwin  Buzz  Aldrin Lunar Module Pilot  at the (LLRF) Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Aldrin was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. On November 11, 1966, he and command pilot James Lovell were launched into space in the Gemini 12 spacecraft on a 4-day flight, which brought the Gemini program to a successful close. Aldrin established a new record for extravehicular activity (EVA), spending 5-1/2 hours outside the spacecraft. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 11, July 16-24, 1969, the first manned lunar landing mission. Aldrin followed Neil Armstrong onto the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, completing a 2-hour and 15 minute lunar EVA. In July 1971, Aldrin resigned from NASA. Aldrin has logged 289 hours and 53 minutes in space, of which, 7 hours and 52 minutes were spent in EVA. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former
Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin at the (LLRF) Lunar Landing Research Facility
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
Portrait of Floyd L. Thompson NASA Langley Center Director
Portrait of Floyd L. Thompson NASA Langley Center Director
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.   Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Astronaut Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. at NASA Langley Lunar Research Facility, Gantry test at night. Haise was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 13 (April 11-17, 1970) and has logged 142 hours and 54 minutes in space.
Astronaut Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. at NASA Langley Lunar Research
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
Astronaut Edwin  Buzz  Aldrin Lunar Module Pilot  at the (LLRF) Lunar Landing Research Facility. Aldrin was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. On November 11, 1966, he and command pilot James Lovell were launched into space in the Gemini 12 spacecraft on a 4-day flight, which brought the Gemini program to a successful close. Aldrin established a new record for extravehicular activity (EVA), spending 5-1/2 hours outside the spacecraft. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 11, July 16-24, 1969, the first manned lunar landing mission. Aldrin followed Neil Armstrong onto the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, completing a 2-hour and 15 minute lunar EVA. In July 1971, Aldrin resigned from NASA. Aldrin has logged 289 hours and 53 minutes in space, of which, 7 hours and 52 minutes were spent in EVA. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former
Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin at the (LLRF) Lunar Landing Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Headquarters building and spheres at Gas Dynamics.  DAO Section.  Scanned on 4/23/2018.
NASA Langley Research Center Headquarters Building and Spheres 1963
Portrait of Mary Jackson. 2017 Hall of Honor inductee.  Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor.  In honor and recognition of the ambition and motivation that enabled her career progression from  human computer  to NASA' s first African-American female engineer, and subsequent career supporting the hiring and promotion of other deserving female and minority employees.
Portrait of Mary Jackson
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.  Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility or Gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Mary Jackson With Model at NASA Langley. In 1958 Mary Jackson became NASA's first black female engineer. At this time Mrs. Jackson was working in the Theoretical Aerodynamic Branch.  The tunnel was located on the East side at Langley Air Force Base.
Mary Jackson With Model at NASA Langley
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
From left to right; Gilbert A. Haynes holding the NTA Fred C. Downs Special Event Award  and Samuel J. Scott with award for their participation in the local Hampton Roads Chapter of the (NTA) National Technical Association.  The guidance and counseling of minority youth is one of NTA's prime objectives. Formed in 1925, NTA has 15 chapters comprised of architects,engineers, scientists, and educators. NTA activities are directed toward encouraging and assisting public and private institutions in identifying potential minority technical talent.
Fred C. Downs and Samuel J. Scott NTA Awardees from the NTA
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
FDCD Stability and Control Branch Photo.   Names, rows front to back, people left to right: Ground level: 1. Margery Hanna 2. Debra L. Livingston 3. Carolyn Grantham 4. Nell Moore 5. Katherine G. Johnson 6. Hewitt Phillips Step 1: 1. John Shaughnessy 2. John Young 3. Bill Martz 4. Charles T. Woolley  Step 2: 1. Al Hamer 2. Marion Wise (?) 3. Suresh Joshi Step 3: 1. Willard W. Anderson 2. Albert A. Schy 3. Daniel P. Giesy Step 4: 1. Hugh Bergeron 2. Claude Keckler 3. Nelson Groom  4. Ralph Will Names Given by Danial Pl. Giesy.
Stability and Conrol Branch
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley Research Center. Samuel J. Scott working in the Office of Director for Structures, Staff Assistant is at the board.
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley Research Center
Walter (Wally) M. Schirra Visit to Langley Research Center to the Rendezvous Docking Simulator.
Schirra Visit to Langley Research Center to the Rendezvous Docking Simulator
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Richard F. Gordon Jr. climbing into training simulator. Astronaut Richard (Dick) Gordon, died in November 2017, at his home in California.  He was 88.  Gordon orbited the Moon on Apollo 12 in 1969 while two other astronauts walked on it.  The Apollo 12 crew capsule can be seen at Langley's official visitor center, the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton VA. NASA 2017 Annual report, Celebrating 100 years.page 23 Milestones.
Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr. Climbing in to Training Simulator
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.   Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom at the controls of the Visual Docking Simulator. From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27-December 1, 1966. "This facility was [later known as the Visual-Optical Simulator.] It presents to the pilot an out-the-window view of his target in correct 6 degrees of freedom motion. The scene is obtained by a television camera pick-up viewing a small-scale gimbaled model of the target." "For docking studies, the docking target picture was projected onto the surface of a 20-foot-diameter sphere and the pilot could, effectively, maneuver into contract. this facility was used in a comparison study with the Rendezvous Docking Simulator - one of the few comparison experiments in which conditions were carefully controlled and a reasonable sample of pilots used. All pilots preferred the more realistic RDS visual scene. The pilots generally liked the RDS angular motion cues although some objected to the false gravity cues that these motions introduced. Training time was shorter on the RDS, but final performance on both simulators was essentially equal. " "For station-keeping studies, since close approach is not required, the target was presented to the pilot through a virtual-image system which projects his view to infinity, providing a more realistic effect. In addition to the target, the system also projects a star and horizon background. "
Virgil Gus Grissom's Visit to LaRC
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley Research Center Samuel J. Scott at his desk working in the Office of Director for Structures, Staff Assistant.
Minority Professionals at NASA Langley, Samuel Scott
Federal Woman's Week, 1980 Various speakers, lecture groups, Mary Jackson in second from the left in this photo.
Federal Woman's Week, 1980
Samuel J. Scott, Administrative Operations Specialist, Acquisition Division; Mary W. Jackson, Federal Women's Program Manager, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs; Fabiola C. Martin, Contract Specialist, Acquisition Division; and Gilbert A. Haynes, Head of the Experimental Avionics Section, Flight Electronics Division, represented Langley recently at the annual National Football League Players' Association Youth Camp in Culpepper, Va. The camp offered four two-week sessions with approximately 60 youngsters attending each session. Serving as role models to minority youth from the Washington, D.C. area, the Langley employees each attended a session for one day discussing their careers and providing information on opportunities at Langley, as part of the community outreach effort of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. This was the first year that Langley participated in the camp's activities. Published in the Langley Researcher, August, 28, 1981 page 2.
Volunteers for the National Football Leagues Player's Association
Astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom at the controls of the Visual Docking Simulator. From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27-December 1, 1966. "This facility was [later known as the Visual-Optical Simulator.] It presents to the pilot an out-the-window view of his target in correct 6 degrees of freedom motion. The scene is obtained by a television camera pick-up viewing a small-scale gimbaled model of the target." "For docking studies, the docking target picture was projected onto the surface of a 20-foot-diameter sphere and the pilot could, effectively, maneuver into contract. this facility was used in a comparison study with the Rendezvous Docking Simulator - one of the few comparison experiments in which conditions were carefully controlled and a reasonable sample of pilots used. All pilots preferred the more realistic RDS visual scene. The pilots generally liked the RDS angular motion cues although some objected to the false gravity cues that these motions introduced. Training time was shorter on the RDS, but final performance on both simulators was essentially equal. " "For station-keeping studies, since close approach is not required, the target was presented to the pilot through a virtual-image system which projects his view to infinity, providing a more realistic effect. In addition to the target, the system also projects a star and horizon background. "
Virgil Gus Grissom's Visit to LaRC
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Donald Hewes at Lunar Landing Research Facility (LLRF).  Donald Hewes, head of the Spacecraft Research Branch, managed the facility.  Piles of cinders simulated the lunar craters and terrain features.   Published in the book " A Century at Langley" by Joseph Chambers. pg. 97
LRC-1969-B701_P-07140
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Katherine Johnson At Her Desk at NASA Langley Research Center
Katherine Johnson At Her Desk at NASA Langley Research Center
Walter Cronkite in the Reduced Gravity Simulator.  Various views of Cronkite in the Lunar Landing Research Facility's Reduced Gravity Simulator which was used to train the astronauts for weightlessness. L68-8308 Caption: "During a 1968 visit to Langley, then CBS News Anchorman Walter Cronkite tries out the Reduced Gravity Simulator, a series of cable-supported slings designed to approximate the Moon's gravity, 1/6th that of Earth's." Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication, p 91, by James Schultz.
Walter Cronkite in the Reduced Gravity Simulator
Astronaut Frank Borman at the controls of the Visual Docking Simulator. From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27-December 1, 1966. "This facility was [later known as the Visual-Optical Simulator.] It presents to the pilot an out-the-window view of his target in correct 6 degrees of freedom motion. The scene is obtained by a television camera pick-up viewing a small-scale gimbaled model of the target." "For docking studies, the docking target picture was projected onto the surface of a 20-foot-diameter sphere and the pilot could, effectively, maneuver into contract. this facility was used in a comparison study with the Rendezvous Docking Simulator - one of the few comparison experiments in which conditions were carefully controlled and a reasonable sample of pilots used. All pilots preferred the more realistic RDS visual scene. The pilots generally liked the RDS angular motion cues although some objected to the false gravity cues that these motions introduced. Training time was shorter on the RDS, but final performance on both simulators was essentially equal. " "For station-keeping studies, since close approach is not required, the target was presented to the pilot through a virtual-image system which projects his view to infinity, providing a more realistic effect. In addition to the target, the system also projects a star and horizon background. "
Frank Borman in Visual Docking Simulator
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Practicing with a full-scale model of the Gemini Capsule in Langley's Rendezvous Docking Simulator. -- Caption and photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication, (page 89), by James Schultz.
Gemini Capsule and Rendezvous Docking Simulator
Portrait of Mary Jackson. 2017 Hall of Honor inductee.  Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor.  In honor and recognition of the ambition and motivation that enabled her career progression from  human computer  to NASA' s first African-American female engineer, and subsequent career supporting the hiring and promotion of other deserving female and minority employees.
Portrait of Mary Jackson
Trainees Honored: Langley Researcher, March 6, 1970 page 6. Six staff members instructed the trainees in various subjects Horace Bellamy, Fred Eichenbrenner,Thomas Hall, Evelyn Myers, Eloise McGehee, and Katherine Johnson.
Office of Equal Opertunity Program Staff Trainers
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility.  Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.
Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Neil Armstrong with the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM). Caption: "Not long after this photo was taken in front of the Lunar Landing Research Facility, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to step upon the surface of the Moon." Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication, by James Schultz, page 91. Also published in " A Century at Langley" by Joseph Chambers, pg. 95
Neil Armstrong at Lunar Landing Research Facility
Portrait Katherine G. Johnson. Hall of Honor inductee 2017.  Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor. In recognition of contributions to the development of methodologies for analysis of manned mission (from Mercury to Apollo) and satellite (Echo) trajectories, and dynamic control of large space structures.
Portrait Katherine G. Johnson
Test subject wearing jet-shoe apparatus and resting in sling support. The cables are not attached. From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27 - December 1, 1966. "As mentioned previously, Langley is conducting in-house and contract studies of extra-vehicular activities wherein zero gravity is simulated by the water-immersion technique. ... Water immersion is a very useful technique where motions are slow. When more rapid motion is required, as in studying one-man propulsion systems, other approaches are required. For these studies Langley has been using the RDS [Rendezvous Docking Simulator] in a manner similar to the LLRF [Lunar Landing Research Facility] technique. The test subjects are suspended in a sling support from a single RDS cable. As they translate about, the RDS tracks them, keeping the cable vertical. The test subjects operate in an effectively zero g environment in the horizontal plane. Tracking was originally done visually using closed-circuit TV, but recently a fast-response servo system using cable angle sensors has provided better operation. Some results of tests where subjects moved about merely by jumping and also where propulsion in the form of simple "jet-shoes" was provided are given in reference 20. Both methods, within limits, appear feasible. Full six-degree-of-freedom equipment for studies of more sophisticated one-man propulsion systems is now being procured. Called OMPRA (One-Man Propulsion Research Apparatus), the device will provide a gimbal system for rotational freedom, a quick response vertical servo for this translational freedom that is not now feasible with the RDS, and a versatile maneuvering unit."
Jet Shoe Experiment on Air Bearing Facility
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.   Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Portrait of Floyd L. Thompson NASA Langley Center Director
Portrait of Floyd L. Thompson NASA Langley Center Director
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work
Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work NASA Langley
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni.   Yenni in ICARUS rig for jet propelled lunar mobility, at Lunar Landing Research Facility gantry.
ICARUS - Lunar Walker with Pilot Dick Yenni
Walter Cronkite in the Reduced Gravity Simulator.  Various views of Cronkite in the Lunar Landing Research Facility's Reduced Gravity Simulator which was used to train the astronauts for weightlessness. L68-8308 Caption: "During a 1968 visit to Langley, then CBS News Anchorman Walter Cronkite tries out the Reduced Gravity Simulator, a series of cable-supported slings designed to approximate the Moon's gravity, 1/6th that of Earth's." Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication, p 91, by James Schultz.
Walter Cronkite in the Reduced Gravity Simulator
Portrait of Mary Jackson. 2017 Hall of Honor inductee.  Langley Research Center NACA and NASA Hall of Honor.  In honor and recognition of the ambition and motivation that enabled her career progression from  human computer  to NASA's s first African-American female engineer, and subsequent career supporting the hiring and promotion of other deserving female and minority employees.
Portrait of Mary Jackson
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module.  Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.
Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility
During a nighttime training session, a multiple exposure captures the movement of the Lunar Excursion Module Simulator (LEMS). The LEMS was a manned vehicle used to familiarize the Apollo astronauts with the handling characteristics of lunar-landing type vehicle.  The Apollo Program is best known for the astronaut Neal Armstrong s first step on the Moon July 20, 1969. In its earliest test period, the LEMS featured a helicopter crew cabin atop the lunar landing module. Later, the helicopter crew cabin was replaced with a stand-up rectangular cabin which was more efficient for controlling maneuvers and for better viewing by the pilot.  The vehicle was designed at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.  This multiple exposure shows a simulated Moon landing of the (LEMS) trainer at Langley s Lunar Landing Research Facility.  -- Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication (page 70), by James Shultz. Also published in  " A Century at Langley" by Joseph Chambers, pg. 93.
Lunar Lander night sequence (Langley)
Mary Jackson at Work NASA Langley. In 1958 Mary Jackson became NASA's first black female engineer.
Mary Jackson at Work NASA Langley