High-Level Project Summary
We have developed the solution to the poor accessibility of scientific data. An intuitive and interesting video game/simulator, able to encourage young people to investigate the wonders of the Universe and space missions.We present: Moon Lander, a video game with real physics where the user must control a rocket and accomplish the mission.The game has a protagonist and a good amount of data, emphasizing the next mission of Artemis.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
Moon Lander is both a tool and entertainment, what we have always wanted education to be.
Besides being a good tool to learn about NASA data, physics, rocket handling and architecture, space missions, etc. it is a great entertainment medium, which has what it takes to get the attention of many young and not so young people.
What is the user's objective?
The objective is to drive a rocket performing a mission and accomplish it in the best possible way, with as few failures as possible to obtain a higher reputation.
How does it work?
It works with real physics and forces applied to a simulation, plus realistic rocket handling. Such as lunar gravity, engine power, among others.
What benefits does it have?
The benefits can be very varied, from a greater global knowledge about space sciences, to the formation of future promises in this area.
What do we hope to achieve with this project?
With this project, we aim to attract both boys and girls to the study of science, research, and creation. We want to show that not everything is impossible, and that advanced science is something that with time and enthusiasm can be mastered.
Tools and languages that we used
The video game is developed in Unity, using C#. The website is developed in React, using JavaScript. And the rocket model and its components are developed in Blender.
Space Agency Data
We used 3D models provided by NASA as a reference for some models and to place in the video game, so that it looks more beautiful.
We are inspired by Artemis' mission to inspire girls to be part of scientific research too. The main character is a woman since we make reference to the first woman to land on the Moon.
We used data from the Starship to make the physics realistic.
To get an idea of the missions that can be replicated, we took into account NASA data about past and future missions.
Hackathon Journey
It was amazing the participation, it filled us with inspiration to do the project in the best way possible, and to feel that we are working together with NASA makes us proud.
We have learned a lot about development tools, 3D modeling, physics, rockets, information provided by NASA, past and future missions, certain functionalities of Unity, etc.
We chose this challenge for several reasons:
First of all, it was the most suitable to our capabilities, and where we could develop the most as a team.
And also, we would love to get more people immersed in the wonderful world of science, and show that studying or learning doesn't have to be boring... Not if it is done with enthusiasm.
During the resolution we have encountered quite a few problems that prevented us from continuing, which forced us to take other directions in certain situations. We had to research, learn, study, read, etc. and the best way to cope with the setback was to keep calm.
I would like to thank all the tutors and organizers of the event, thanks to them I have discovered a lot of things that, if it had not been for them, we would not have discovered.
References
Tags
#videogame, #landing, #artemis
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.