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In this game, you control a space shuttle and your mission is to launch, rendezvous and dock with a satellite as many times as you can, using the minimum of fuel, and they return safely to earth.

Two training flights may be taken can then it is the real thing! In the Flight Manual provided, there is a launch checklist which has to be made before take-off but after launching the first objective when you enter orbit is to bring the nose of the shuttle down so it is in line with the satellite. The next task is to open the cargo bay doors, otherwise heat builds up.

Shuttle speed and position is the next job so that docking is made possible. A docking sequence is printed in the Flight Manual, including tips to make it easier. After successfully docking with the satellite, the shuttle has to be turned around, the engines fired and decelerated to the right speed. There is a de-orbit sequence in the booklet too.

More manoeuvres have to be done to re-enter the atmosphere; position, altitude, velocity and heading must all be exact to manage the heat build up and correctly position the shuttle for the final approach.

To land at Edwards Air Force Base, descent is critical. Sounds are heard at this stage of the mission, including a sonic boom and the screeching of tyres.

Problems that you may come up against when you are flying are printed in the back of the booklet, together with their solutions. Also, ranks that you may achieve and 'Earning Your Wings' - if you achieve the sixth and final docking with the satellite with a certain number of fuel units left, you can send off for an 'Official Pilot Patch'. Useful acronyms and a glossary are also printed.

Graphics are good and also the scene from the shuttle window bounces up and down and gives the effect of movement. There is plenty of noise and colour - the sky becomes lighter and lighter as you get nearer to earth, for example. There are also plenty of dials for trainee astronauts to look at.

One criticism of this game I have is that there should be some way of halting the action as you have to keep looking at the instructions to remind yourself of all the rules and regulations of being a pilot. After much practice, there will be no need to do this of course but, in the meantime, it is rather monotonous and spoils the game.

Every person who likes playing at spacemen will love this game, although they will need a lot of training to become accomplished astronauts.