World spaceports: Gran Canaria Airport

Besides the well know Kennedy Space Center or Baikonur launch sites, there are many other such places around the world. Some of them aren't used for rocket launches, it they played an important role in space history, or are part of current aerospace activities.

As part of the development of my Orbiter stock bases upgrade add-on, I've done some research regarding this sometimes little know sites. My objective was to provide high resolution surface tiles for each base and to represent, using the stock base objects, the main structures present. I'll share here some interesting places I discovered.

Gran Canaria Airport (IATA: LPA, ICAO: GCLP), (also known as Las Palmas Airport) was an official alternative (emergency) landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle.Also nearby is the Gran Canaria drop zone, an air-launched rocket drop zone, located lat/long 27.0, -15.3.

Runways:
- 03L/21R : 10,171 x 148 ft (3,100 x 45 m) — paved — lighted
- 03R/21L : 10,171 x 148 ft (3,100 x 45 m) — paved — lighted

Frequencies:
- ILS: 03L 109.900; 21R 110.700
- APP: 120.9 MHz
- ATIS: 118.6 MHz
- GND: 121.7 MHz
- TWR: 118.3 MHz
Gran Canaria Airport in Orbiter
(as featured on my Orbiter stock bases upgrade add-on)

Gran Canaria Airport on GoogleMaps

Charts, diagrams and reference photos

Gemini B cockpit layout

The Gemini B was the military version of the Gemini spacecraft, adapted for use on the MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory) program. The general cockpit layout was similar, but many instruments were changed. I'm doing a 3D model of the cockpit, and as part of that I need to recreate the dashboard layout. For the normal Gemini we have great detailed instrument layouts, but for Gemini B we must work based on photos. I've identified as much labels as possible. Some probably have errors, but still I think you get the idea of the general operation. The main difference from the stock Gemini is that gauges and switches are more protected perhaps from accidental touching. Also you have controls for the MOL laboratory on the right hand panel. Left panel Center panel Bottom panel Right panel I'm working mainly based on two reference photos: (http://www.nro.gov) (unknown origin)

Vostok panels

I've more or less completed the Vostok panels. The main panel is reasonably accurate, but the side panel is still very rough. Without better reference images it will be hard to do.

Orion cockpit layout

In preparation for my Constellation program add-on, I collected some images about Orion's cockpit panel layout. These are quite interesting and you can see how it is evolving. 2012 (NASA Systems Engineering Simulator) 2014 layout I assembled this view from a NASA video showing most parts of the panel and LCD displays. Resolution is good enough to read most of the labels. 2014 Mockup 2015 Mockup The 2015 mockup shows some diferences from the 2014 version. The design seems less monotonous and with a few less flip switches. Image sources: NASA

Orbiter Spaceport

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