Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 02/18/1986
NRHP Listing Date 10/03/1985
NHL Listing Date 10/03/1985
NRHP Reference Number 85002809
One of the most significant ground-based artifacts in space exploration history, this facility enabled NASA’s Gemini and Apollo astronauts to practice space rendezvous procedures that they had to master before journeying to the moon. Built in 1963 on the campus of the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, the Rendezvous Docking Simulator consists of a full-scale mock spacecraft suspended by a highly maneuverable cable and gimbal system attached to an overhead carriage. By docking with a target, astronauts gained realistic training that closely approximated space operations. In 1969, when the actual lunar module lifted from the surface of the moon and caught up to the waiting Apollo Command Module in lunar orbit, docking was absolutely crucial for the return to earth. This simulator therefore was vital in making the round trip to the moon possible. With some adaptive reuse of components, most of the facility is preserved in place at the NASA hangar in Hampton.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: February 20, 2019
