Machines | Behind the Scenes at NASA Armstrong: Code ME (Simulation Engineering) In-Depth

Flights of new aircraft or systems are first simulated to ensure that any novel concepts are working as designed, or to conduct trade studies, or to iterate a design toward optimum performance. Later, when an actual flight is scheduled, before the aircraft even revs its engines, simulation familiarizes the pilot and mission control team with the procedures and test points, and prepares them for unexpected situations. Engineers in Code ME, the simulation engineering branch of Code M, create one-of-a-kind simulation programs and hardware subsystem interfaces that enable NASA's pilots and their industry partners to understand how a new aircraft or system will handle, or discover the most efficient ways to hit their data points.