The International Space Agency (NASA) is inviting developers to create a virtual reality environment that will help train astronauts for missions to Mars, with prizes of $ 70,000.
The U.S. space agency has called for “a new research, development, and testing environment for virtual reality to help you prepare for the experiences and scenarios you will encounter on Mars,” and NASA added: “ The point is, it’s an immersive, engaging, and realistic experience. ”
Officials partnered with virtual reality simulator developer Buendea and producer Fortnite Epic Games for the program.
Both companies have partially completed a virtual version of Mars, and the virtual “Operations Support System” world has been built on Epic Games ’Unreal Engine 5, a platform used by companies to host interactive experience and virtual reality environment.
The program provided realistic conditions for the gravity and weather of the red planet and 154 square miles of terrain, and included the entire Martian sun turning orange during the day and blue at night.
Developers were asked to submit designs in five categories: exploration, exploration, camping, maintenance, and awesome mind.
The overall winner in each category will receive $ 6,000 (£ 4,800) in a total pot of $ 70,000 divided into 20 individual prizes, with the competition closing on 26 July.
“We are looking for developers to create new virtual reality (XR) research, development and testing environments to help prepare for the experiences and scenarios that Mars will encounter,” the organizers said.
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Arabic RT
