Is this regarding the question of time? The distance to Moon Mars etc or even just a real time orbit. The options i imagine are just like Orbiter, time compression? Leave the cockpit into the static simulator for coffee 10min later return to cockpit for capture burn? Set course for Mars and exit the simulation and return next month to pick up as you close on the target. In the meantime track progress using an app. There are options, perhaps we will invent more.
This is why we want to build static test cockpits and proof of concepts as stepping stones to a commercial program.
We would want to make mission design the responsibility of those participating in the program. Just how much oversight or guidance it depends on a number of factors. The scope of the software being used for a commercial product. What kind or mission architecture or framework is required? There is hardware, software, staff and control, a human in the loop with a finger on the stop button and a friendly smile to assist when required. How much control the control station has and how that individual interacts will get worked out in detail in time. The concept is to create a system that affords the participants as much freedom as possible in a sand box universe, much like Orbiter. Remember this is very much experimentation, we are looking at new ways of doing things, creating novel approaches to the question how do we inspire and nurture relationships with the sciences and STEM subjects in subtle ways, and how that then translates or migrates into formal education and the STEM pipeline.
Try imagine it as though we are an aerospace company that simply provides an aircraft/spacecraft and support. Puts that aircraft on a runway and lets anyone rent it to do with as they wish. We don't teach you how to fly we simply help enable the process of learning, point you to places you can learn, online resources, educators, after school programs, software etc. where do people learn today, youtube, apps, friends etc. No one came to your home to teach you how to play orbiter, you read ‘how to’s’ and watch online tutorials.
People might just want to fly around in circles until they crash and die, fine, let them. But the chance is that at some point, with a wide range of options and possibilities, any given team will want to go that one step further, just because they can, and at that point you are on a trajectory/career path and you are learning. They are also developing a relationship with the technology, subject matter and perceptions of a future. All these things are opportunities for educators to shape the potential learning ecosystems.
