The flight controllers have an IM (instant messaging) system that they use to pass commands, notes, etc. to each other that replaced the old pneumatic tubes and is better than e-mail because it is all recorded and logged automatically. It is called MCCPC (cute) and they send Flight Notes. Of course they all still keep a handwritten log and many a word.doc log as well. Chuck told me that everything on the shuttle is automatic except for APU start and putting inside the cabin and closing the Payload Bay doors. He mentioned a study to see how much it would cost to automate those systems too, but didn’t get to finish telling me about it.
The sim was going to be an easy one basically because there were divers in the pool and pool time for training is so valuable. They are called Pool Rules for the sim you can give them everything and anything that won’t make the EVA crew have to come inside (out of the water).