NASA teams are using virtual reality to prepare for the Artemis lunar missions and optimize collaboration between mission control and science teams.
In the fall, the Artemis III Surface Extra-Vehicular VR Mini-Simulation experiment was conducted at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. It created a virtual environment based on real lunar surface data from the Nobile Rim 1 region near the south pole.
During the simulations, backup crew members took virtual “moonwalks,” transmitting video, images, and audio to another location. Control teams and scientists practiced ground communications.
“VR allows for deeper immersion and high-fidelity training without having to go out into the field,” explains NASA’s Bree Sparks.
Looking ahead, NASA plans to incorporate mixed reality into its training regimen, allowing crew members to fully immerse themselves in a virtual environment while interacting with physical objects. It’s a bold step forward in preparing for humanity’s return to the Moon, combining the best of the virtual and physical worlds.
