- Joined
- Apr 2, 2008
- Messages
- 486
- Reaction score
- 10
- Points
- 18
After nearly ten years on line, SimNASA the first virtual space agency has officially closed. Initially formed in late 1999 as the Simulated Air and Space Organization (SASO) with the then Simulated Air Traffic Control (SATCO later VATSIM) organization, SimNASA was officially formed in February 2000 as the first virtual space agency with Keith Stein as its first administrator.
Since it inception the organization has flown a number of simulated space mission using first Microsoft Flight Simulator and then Orbiter. During the organization hay-day it boasted over 400 active members recreating active NASA mission in aeronautic studies as well as recreating the US Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and its own spaceflight design missions.
In 2000 the organization flew the first known virtual rocket live on the Internet with broadcast provided by the Virtual Airline News Flash (VANF). This, along with other firsts, secured SimNASA as the premier virtual space agency by end users and even recognition by corporations, universities, and even Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt.
Since 2001 the organization was lead by Brad Hodges along with the help of many volunteers. Of notable mention is Chuck Boudreaux, Frank Inkaar, Chris Trott, Kieth Stein, Tim Calloux, Neal Pizik, Kieth “Kilo” Watts, Jeff Parker, and many many others.
Plans are currently underway to make a static historical site with space provided by an anonymous donor. Dates for the launch of the historical site have yet to be determined.
It was a great ride! Thank you everyone!
EDIT: I did forget to mention António Maia. Thank you António Maia!
Since it inception the organization has flown a number of simulated space mission using first Microsoft Flight Simulator and then Orbiter. During the organization hay-day it boasted over 400 active members recreating active NASA mission in aeronautic studies as well as recreating the US Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and its own spaceflight design missions.
In 2000 the organization flew the first known virtual rocket live on the Internet with broadcast provided by the Virtual Airline News Flash (VANF). This, along with other firsts, secured SimNASA as the premier virtual space agency by end users and even recognition by corporations, universities, and even Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt.
Since 2001 the organization was lead by Brad Hodges along with the help of many volunteers. Of notable mention is Chuck Boudreaux, Frank Inkaar, Chris Trott, Kieth Stein, Tim Calloux, Neal Pizik, Kieth “Kilo” Watts, Jeff Parker, and many many others.
Plans are currently underway to make a static historical site with space provided by an anonymous donor. Dates for the launch of the historical site have yet to be determined.
It was a great ride! Thank you everyone!
EDIT: I did forget to mention António Maia. Thank you António Maia!