I am pleased to announce that the Institute for Earth Observation’s at Palmyra Cove’s Innovation Lab is developing a virtual reality experience called Lunar Learning Expeditions that will allow visitors to explore the lunar surface. The first release models the Apollo 11 moon landing site where visitors can perform some of the early experiments as part of the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package (EASEP). Within virtual reality, visitors will experience a view from inside a space suit as they perform mission tasks. In-game spectator cameras will allow visitors who are waiting in line to see multiple views of the lunar surface from the perspective of original on board exterior and surface cameras. These multiple views will be rendered on high definition displays located around the Innovation Lab for all to see. Planned for a future release is GLOBE on the Moon. Users will use modified GLOBE protocols using virtual instruments to collect soil and measure surface temperature.
Lunar Learning Expeditions from Peter Dorofy on Vimeo.
I am currently using the Oculus Rift as the VR platform for development. I plan to release the app at our visitor center about mid-June.
