Captain Sim starts off 2025 with a new release that will send you out of this world. The new Space Shuttle will give you the chance to pilot the iconic spacecraft “back to Earth”. The new vehicle in Microsoft Flight Simulator will give you the chance to experience re-entry and Earth from above.
Included with Captain Sim’s product is a “detailed model” of the Space Shuttle Orbiter, along with animations for astronauts and the payload bay. The model has 8K textures, a re-entry heating effect and also a deployable parachute. It comes with a number of liveries too.
In terms of systems, there is a functional heads-up display (HUD), multifunctional electric display systems and adjustable cockpit and panel lighting. The team has also implemented a custom flight model. Captain Sim has made the manual available for anyone to evaluate whether the system-depth is suitable for their needs.
What is important to note is that the product does not model launch, ascent, or orbital phases. You are able to fly the descent stages, as outlined below:
- Reentry (Custom Departure: starting at 275K ft, in AUTO mode until 50K ft)
- 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)
