Artemis Lander Egress and Lunar Surface VR/ARGOS Trainer

This project aims to provide a Mixed Reality (MR) planning, training, and evaluation/analysis capability that integrates Virtual Reality (VR), Trick simulations, and the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) in support of Artemis missions to the moon and identify possible risks and unknowns of lander egress and surface operations. The VR simulation will be driven with correct ephemeris and make use of lunar elevation data and imagery to provide accurate terrain of the south pole and Shackleton Crater. The lunar lander vehicle models will be used in graphics with a physical mockup of the porch and ladder assembly to examine and train for egress, EVAs, and potential surface operations. Key technologies include a MR training environment, accurate terrain and ephemeris for real-time lighting and shadows, re-directional walking, scaled VR jumping, the use of the HTC Vive wireless system in ARGOS, full-body tracking, and various modalities of VR locomotion.

This project advances lunar surface planning, training, and evaluation/analysis capabilities by providing a realistic VR and lunar gravity environment thereby reducing possible risks and unknowns of lander egress and surface operations. Combining VR/MR technologies with a human rated high fidelity gravity offload system will provide a unique MR environment not found anywhere else in industry or academia.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.