The Latest News...

11-9-2017: “First Man” To Feature Gemini Spacecraft Control Panel From Historic Space Systems

• The Gemini control panel reproduction by Historic Space Systems will appear in the Universal Studios movie “First Man,” portraying the life of Gemini 8 and Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong.
• Much of the panel will actually be operational, bringing compelling realism to the cinematic depiction of the eventful Gemini 8 flight.

5-1-2017: Historic Space Systems Provides Cockpits For Houston Apollo 13 Escape Experience

• Historic Space Systems is helping Escape Hunt Houston offer a unique entertainment experience based on the Apollo 13 mission.
• Players in groups of 12 use strategy and deduction to solve puzzles to get their crew members safely home.
• The experience uses a Mission Operations Control Room setting, as well as a Command Module cockpit with a control panel and surrounding areas by Historic Space Systems, connecting to a Lunar Module cockpit by Historic Space Systems.
• The accurate depictions of the Apollo cockpits enhance the realism of the experience, especially when complemented by the clever visual and sound effects added by Escape Hunt Houston.

7-5-2016: Installation of Space Shuttle Landing Simulator Completed at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

• With a depiction of the Enterprise Space Shuttle Orbiter in the simulation, the Space Shuttle Landing Simulator now gives Intrepid visitors a feel for landing the Space Shuttle as it glides to Earth.
• A unique feature of the simulator enclosure is extendable “landing gear” wheels which allow the exhibit to be rolled out of the exhibit area for special events.

3-29-2016: Historic Space Systems to Appear at NASM Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference

• Historic Space Systems will exhibit at the annual Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference, to be held at Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson and at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, April 1-4, 2016.

2-28-2016: Historic Space Systems Creating Space Shuttle Landing Simulator for Intrepid

• To complement their Enterprise Space Shuttle exhibit, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is adding a Space Shuttle Landing Simulator by Historic Space Systems.
• Delivery is expected around June 2016.

8-31-2015: Historic Space Systems introduces Gemini Control Panel Simulator

• Historic Space Systems announced the development of a Gemini Control Panel Simulator, a working reproduction of the Gemini XII spacecraft control panel.
• See the press release (pdf) for additional information.

5-3-2015: Historic Space Systems delivers Canal Lock working model exhibit

• Historic Space Systems designed and manufactured a working model of a canal lock. The user controls the water level in the lock and opens the lock doors to move a boat model to the next section.

4-3-2014: Historic Space Systems to Appear at NASM Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference

• Historic Space Systems will exhibit at the annual Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference, to be held at Marriott Crystal Gateway and at the National Air & Space Museum, April 11-14, 2014.

7-18-2013: Historic Space Systems completes installation of Space Shuttle Simulators at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio

• Historic Space Systems has completed fabrication and installation of two Space Shuttle Landing Simulators at the museum.

9-24-2012: Historic Space Systems has been awarded a contract to build two Space Shuttle Simulators for the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio

• Historic Space Systems will build two Space Shuttle Landing Simulators, with the full forward cockpit, as an educational aid for the Crew Compartment Trainer artifact on display at the museum.
• The simulators are scheduled to be delivered Spring 2013.

5-5-2012: Historic Space Systems delivers AstroTot panel to Denver Museum of Nature and Science

• Historic Space Systems has completed delivery of a space exploration themed activity panel for young children to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
• The panel has three activity areas that invite exploration and creative fun.
• Historic Space Systems will offer a slightly modified version of this panel to other museums as the Space1der (“space wonder”) activity panel.
• The panel is ideal for museums seeking a sturdy and simple interactive experience panel for their youngest visitors.

4-21-2012: Historic Space Systems updates progress on Apollo 11 hatch working model

• Historic Space Systems has been creating a full scale working model of the Apollo 11 Command Module side hatch. See some of the progress to date on the Apollo 11 hatch model (pdf).

3-13-2012: Historic Space Systems to Appear at NASM Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference

• Historic Space Systems will exhibit at the annual Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference, to be held at Hyatt Regency Reston and at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, April 26-29, 2012.

11-3-2011: Historic Space Systems awarded contract for children’s panel

• Historic Space Systems has been awarded a contract to build a simple interactive panel for young children.
• The project, called AstroTot, is for a children’s area of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS).
• Historic Space Systems is working with DMNS in designing the concepts for the interactive panel.

7-22-2011: Historic Space Systems awarded contract for Space Shuttle Simulator

• Historic Space Systems has been awarded a contract to build a detailed Space Shuttle cockpit simulator for the Aero Institute (NASA Dryden).

3-16-2011: Historic Space Systems to Appear at NASM Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference

• Historic Space Systems will exhibit at the annual Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference, to be held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, April 10-13, 2011.

9-26-2010: Historic Space Systems to exhibit at Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s Third Annual Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show

• Historic Space Systems will offer space memorabilia at this year’s event.
• The show will run November 5-7, 2010, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• The space collectibles are planned to include new items created using Rapid Prototyping technology that will soon be available in-house.

8-23-2010: 3D Engineering Solutions partners with Historic Space Systems to replicate in 3D CAD Apollo Spacecraft Command Module Artifact

• Historic Space Systems has commissioned the precision 3d laser scanning services of 3D Engineering Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, to scan an Apollo Rotation Control grip artifact.
• The resulting 3D computer model will be used to create physical models of the grip, using Rapid Prototyping technology that will soon be available in-house.
• Read the press release for more details.

3-12-2010: Historic Space Systems to Appear at NASM Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference

• Historic Space Systems will exhibit at the annual Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference, to be held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum starting March 27, 2010.

7-15-2009: Lunar Landing Simulator Kiosk Installed at Great Lakes Science Center

• A Lunar Landing Simulator kiosk with new simulation software by Historic Space Systems was installed this week.
• This simulation also offers the option of landing on the moon in the new Altair craft proposed for NASA’s future moon missions.

6-4-2009: Lunar Landing Simulator Installed at Joliet Area Historical Museum

• A Lunar Landing Simulator with new simulation software by Historic Space Systems was installed this week.

3-12-2009: Lunar Landing Simulation Software Nears Completion

• Historic Space Systems is developing software for simulating a lunar landing. The software is intended to improve upon the realism of other simulation programs and is suitable for museum use.
• The simulation is designed to integrate into the Apollo Lunar Module simulator cockpit with accurately placed gauge displays. Also, the view out each triangular-shaped window will more accurately depict the scene visible to the astronauts.

9-12-2008: ASTC Conference

• Historic Space Systems will appear at the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) 2008 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. The event is October 18-20.
• We will be showcasing our latest simulation, the Gemini IV Spacewalk Simulation.
• Look for us at Booth 237.

8-14-2008: Gemini IV Spacewalk Simulation Completed

• A simulation of the first American spacewalk by Ed White of Gemini IV has been completed.
• The simulation will be an important interactive exhibit as the LBJ Library and Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Johnson.
• The museum’s home of Austin, Texas was also the home town of astronaut Ed White.
• The exhibit will open August 27, 2008.

1-31-2007: Mars Landing simulation delivered to Wichita Collegiate School

• The Wichita Collegiate School in Wichita, Kansas will integrate a Mars Landing simulation developed by Historic Space Systems, along with its new computer system, into their own Mars exploration simulator.

8-28-2006: Virginia Air & Space Center to get Lunar Landing Simulator

• The Virginia Air & Space Center (VASC) has ordered a Lunar Landing Simulator for their newly renovated space gallery.
• The simulator, designed and built by Historic Space Systems, will be custom designed to integrate into a wall of the gallery.
• Two separate simulations will allow two visitors at a time to fly a simulated landing on the moon in the Apollo Lunar Module.

3-16-2006: Delivery of New Space Shuttle Simulator

• A new dual station cockpit design of the Space Shuttle Simulator was delivered to Downey, California, for installation in a new museum in 2007.
• Before its delivery, the simulator was tested at the 2006 National Geographic Channel Upfront event in New York City.

New shuttle simulator with two separate simulations.

3-13-2006: Assistance with Gemini 12 Restoration

• John Fongheiser, President of Historic Space Systems, visited the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. By special arrangement with Jim Remar of KCSC, Mr. Fongheiser inspected the Gemini 12 spacecraft being restored, and offered information on its flight configuration.
• Mr. Fongheiser provided data on the Gemini 12 control panel layout, placement of debris guards around the seats, evaluation of parts to be placed in the spacecraft, and the post-flight condition of the spacecraft.
• Among his observations was the fact that the seats had been switched after the flight. Command Pilot Jim Lovell’s seat had been placed in the right hand position, while Pilot Buzz Aldrin’s seat had been placed in the left hand position.
• After its restoration Gemini 12 will be displayed at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois.

Sitting in Jim Lovell’s seat, at Buzz Aldrin’s controls.

3-9-2006: National Geographic Channel Upfront Features Shuttle Simulator

• National Geographic Channel held their annual Upfront event in New York City with a space theme, with trainers, projected star images, and much more.
• A featured attraction was a dual Space Shuttle Simulator from Historic Space Systems. Guests landed the Space Shuttle on the left side, and docked with the Destiny Module of the International Space Station (ISS) on the right side. Binary Star Ltd. provided the software.
• Former Space Shuttle and ISS astronaut Leroy Chiao brought an added element of realism to the simulations, as one who has been there. He advised guests as they landed the Shuttle, while Historic Space Systems president John Fongheiser helped guests dock with Destiny.

John Fongheiser helping former astronaut Leroy Chiao (right) with flight simulator duties.

11-23-2005: Exhibits Delivered to Coca-Cola Space Science Center

• In time for their grand reopening, Historic Space Systems delivered and installed three interactive simulators for the Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) in Columbus, Georgia.
• The simulators are the Columbia II Space Shuttle Landing Simulator, the Gemini Docking Simulator, and the Aircraft Simulator.
• The Gemini Docking Simulator is the new Version 2.0 with greater visual realism and improved physical simulation.

2-16-2005: New Exhibits for Coca-Cola Space Science Center

• Historic Space Systems has been selected to provide three interactive simulators for the Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) in Columbus, Georgia.
• The simulators are the Columbia II Space Shuttle Landing Simulator, the Gemini Docking Simulator, and the Aircraft Simulator.
• The simulators will be placed in the museum’s new lobby expansion in early September 2005.

8-12-2004: ASTC Conference

• Historic Space Systems will appear at the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) 2004 Annual Conference in San Jose, CA. The event is September 18-20.
• Look for us at Booth 1127 (near the NASA booth).

7-26-2004: Apollo 15 Control Panels

• A report by the President of Historic Space Systems, John Fongheiser, was featured on the collectSPACE web site. The report details the location of the Apollo 15 control panels, long missing.
• The story was also featured as an AstroNote on SPACE.com, and on MSNBC.
• The report can be found in PDF as an Info Sheet