Captain Sim’s latest release brings the legendary Space Shuttle into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Initially released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in 2025, Captain Sim claim they were already pushing the sim’s limits. Now in MSFS2024, following a long development run, they have been able to squeeze even more features in, and claim that the altitude limit of the old sim has been “practically removed”.
About the Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a reusable space transportation system operated by NASA. First entering service in 1981, a total of five operational space shuttle orbiters were constructed, collectively operating 135 missions over the span of 30 years. The Space Shuttle was instrumental in constructing the International Space Station and also flew numerous satellite launch and recovery missions.
About the Captain Sim Space Shuttle
Captain Sim’s rendition of the Space Shuttle features a highly detailed exterior model of the Orbiter, using high-resolution 8K textures, with realistic animations for the payload bay doors and astronauts included. Custom orbital RCS physics and behaviour have been recreated, indicating that attention has been placed on creating an authentic experience of how the shuttle handled during orbital flight. They have also created custom VFX, including effects for the RCS thrusters as well as re-entry heating. The ability to select cargo for the payload bay is also included.
Moving to the interior, the cockpit features a detailed recreation of the retrofitted glass cockpit, with the multifunctional electronic display system (MEDS) added as well as a functional heads-up display (HUD), all finished off with high-resolution textures to add immersion. Liveries are included for space shuttles Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, and Endeavour. Captain Sim have created some scenarios to pair with this:
- Re-entry (North Pacific Departure: starting at 400K ft, in AUTO mode until 50K ft) (RCS available)
- Terminal Area Energy Management (Landing Challenge: entering the Heading Alignment Cone at 50K ft, approach and landing)
- Approach, Landing and Rollout (Landing Challenge: starting glideslope at 10K ft)
At the time of writing, no launch or ascent phases are modelled.
Closing remarks
The Captain Sim Space Shuttle is available for purchase for PC and XBOX via the MSFS2024 Marketplace exclusively for $16.49 USD. If you would like to view more of our coverage on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, you can view it here.
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