'Function Check' option in VAB for testing general functionality

[pandaman]

There are numerous things that we can't check the functionality or practality of on a craft in the VAB, so have to launch, try it, revert, tweak, launch again etc. etc.

Simple, obvious, things that would get checked and verified as part of the design and prototyping process such as... Items blocking hatches, ladder positions, flight controls working as you envisaged etc etc.  that we can't check or spot without launching the craft and reverting to VAB every time.

How about having the ability to do this as part of the building process in the VAB?  

By having a 'Function Check' mode, whereby things operate and controls work as normal we could test the basic operation of the craft easily. Crews would be put in position too.

Staging could be 'indicated' by showing a simple 'Stage # flag' next to the activated parts as they are staged, rather than actually decoupling or firing engines.

Control surfaces would move, RCS could 'light up' when activated. Undercarriage would deploy. Crews could disembark to check ladder functionality etc. etc.

This could possibly be easier to implement than trying to get the Engineers Report to search for all the 'silly little things', and find them reliably.

Edited April 10, 2023 by pandaman
Edit. Thought of a better name.