+ 1970 News Releases (7.6 Mb PDF file) - NASA

_ATIONAL AEI_ONAUTIC$ AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
....NNEDSPACECRA
CENTE
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483-5111 September 9, 1970
MSC 70-99
HOUSTON_ TEXAS---Athletes_ typists_ musicians and many other
professions must use their talents on a regular basis or face the
loss of the acuity that mazes them first rate_ and so it is with
flight controllers for a mission in space.
With the extended periods between space flights_ to allow more
time for analysis of information acquired_ and assimilation of this
into follow-on flight plans, there is a period o_ time when the
activity level in flight c_ntrol drops off.
To counteract the possible loss of the keen vigilance required
on the consoles in Mission Control Center_ the Flight Control Division
ay the Manned Spacecraft C_nter has instituted a proficiency simulation
program for flight controllers.
Prior _o the time period when active simulations begin for a
flight_ a series of proficiency simulations will be scheduled. At
least two full simulations will be conducted in Mission Control Center
each month_ normally at tw_-week intervals.
Flight controllers scheduled to be assigned to the upcoming mission_
in this case Apollo 14, will man their consoles in MCC during these biweekly
simulation sessions for an eight to ten hour proficiency exercise
designed especially to keel0 them up-to-speed in the respective disciplines.
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