Shuttle: The Space Flight Simulator

Shuttle: The Space Flight Simulator, released in 1992 by Virgin Games, is one of the most ambitious and realistic space flight simulations ever created for MS-DOS. The game allows players to take full control of NASA’s Space Shuttle, from launch preparations at Kennedy Space Center to orbital missions and precise re-entries through Earth’s atmosphere.

Every aspect of the Shuttle program is meticulously recreated, including cockpit procedures, system checklists, communications, and mission control interactions. Players must manage everything from payload operations and satellite deployment to navigation and fuel management, making it both a technical and educational experience. The complexity and authenticity made it a true simulator rather than an arcade-style space game.

Praised for its depth and attention to detail, Shuttle became a benchmark for realism in early 1990s simulation design. While its steep learning curve challenged even seasoned players, it offered a uniquely immersive experience — a virtual journey into the world of real-life space exploration at a time when such fidelity was rare in PC gaming.