VR in Space: How NASA Utilizes VR to Gear Up for Lunar Gateway and Mars

Virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse often enable us to experience vast digital worlds from the confines of our homes, presenting a paradoxically expansive form of what might be seen as introspective technology. In contrast, space exploration, epitomized by the visionary voyages described in Captain Kirk's famous opening monologue from Star Trek, physically propels us into the unknown. This raises an intriguing question: how do these seemingly inward-looking digital realms intersect with the outward-reaching ambitions of space exploration, particularly with developments like VR training for Mars missions?

A recent post on NASA's official blog revealed how NASA is using VR technology, such as the VIVE Pro headset and VIVE Tracker to prepare for the 2025 Lunar Gateway launch. The term "Lunar Gateway" might not be familiar to those outside the space enthusiast community. So, let's first take a look at what the "Artemis program" involves.

NASA astronauts use virtual reality to simulate the lunar space station. (Source: NASA)

What is the Artemis Program?

Named after Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon, NASA's Artemis program was announced in 2017. It is set to be the next chapter in lunar exploration, following the historic Apollo missions. Interestingly, Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo, the sun god.

Some might wonder why the United States would now prioritize returning to the moon. The Artemis program aims far beyond a mere revisit; it seeks to establish a permanent lunar base. This base is envisioned as a crucial launchpad for future missions, not only to Mars but also potentially deeper into the cosmos.

The Lunar Gateway—Humanity's First Moon Space Station

The Lunar Gateway, a collaborative project involving NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, aims to orbit the moon for over a decade. This space station will provide living and working spaces for astronauts as part of the Artemis missions.

The Lunar Gateway consists of eight major modules. (Source: NASA)

The Gateway will consist of eight modules, constructed by various international partners, and assembled in lunar orbit. The initial launches, including the Power and Propulsion Element and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, are planned for 2025. The ambitious Artemis 3 mission, aiming to land the first woman and person of color on the moon, is scheduled for 2026.

To ensure that astronauts can live and work effectively on the Lunar Gateway, NASA has enlisted veteran astronauts like Raja Chari and Nicole Mann, both former members of the International Space Station, to test a virtual version of the Gateway using the VIVE Pro headset. This application of digital twinning technology showcases innovative testing methods.

Raja Chari and Nicole Mann, two veteran astronauts, are testing the lunar space station at NASA's Johnson Space Center. (Source: NASA)

During testing in VR, astronauts simulate tasks they will perform on the moon, such as conducting experiments, managing supplies, and preparing meals. The headset allows them to visualize and adjust the space station's interior layout to better meet their needs.

NASA's experiments with VR extend beyond lunar preparation. They have combined the VIVE Pro with treadmills to train for missions on the Martian surface. The VIVE Focus 3, the first headset to enter space, was also tested for its functionality in zero-gravity, with the future goal of using immersive experiences to simulate Earth-like environments to alleviate homesickness and replicate physical activities on home planet. Astronauts have also used the VIVE Pro 2 and VIVE Tracker for spacewalk and extravehicular rescue training and assessments.

ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen tests the Focus 3 headset on the International Space Station. (Source: VIVE)

These examples demonstrate that both introspective and extrospective explorations are crucial for humanity, each expanding our knowledge and enhancing our understanding of the unknown. Virtual reality (VR) exemplifies this dual capacity—not merely as an escape from reality, but as a potent platform for training and simulation, particularly in equipping us for the challenges of missions to Mars. As we delve deeper into these technologies, we may discover that all forms of exploration, whether directed inward or aimed outward, are vital pathways to self-discovery and unraveling the mysteries of the universe.