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NASA MarsXR Challenge

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This challenge is seeking developers to create a new Virtual Reality (XR) research, development, and testing environment to help prepare for the experiences and situations that will be encountered on Mars. Participants will use the NASA XOSS MarsXR Virtual Environment to build out new assets and scenarios within the environment, using Epic Games' UnReal Engine. Participants can submit across 5 categories encompassing early exploration activities on Mars.

Benefits

This project is to develop ways to engage the public in the development of simulated tasks for Mars surface Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) for use in simulated missions. This would include the development of relevant scenario and task definitions, the associated 3D models/model detail needed, and any associated simulations to drive responses and interactions of those models. 

The ultimate goal of this project is to provide the framework for public engagement that results in the generation of hundreds of hours of interesting and relevant simulation capability that research subjects and astronauts can engage with during simulations within a virtual reality (VR) environment.

Project Team received scenarios and assets to be implemented into the XOSS environment and help train astronauts for future missions to Mars. Team also identified a community of XR developers to tap for future work.

 


 

Details

Technology areaSoftware, Modeling, Simulation, and Information Processing > Simulation > Simulation-Based Training and Decision Support Systems
ProgramPrizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC)
Lead organizationJohnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date2021-12-01
End date2023-12-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.