Extra Planeteers| Virtual Planetary Exploration
Virtual Planetary Exploration
Extra Planeteers - Sharing extraplanetary solutions
Summary
Our project thrives to raise educational awareness in regard to space exploration tools and to foresee extraplanetary challenges in order to develop futuristic solutions in the form of tools and equipment.
How We Addressed This Challenge
The Extra Planeteers team developed an interactive website, capable of displaying 3D models of existing tools from Apollo and Artemis Missions as well as unique conceptual designs that could be used within future missions.
Our mission is to make space exploration tools accessible for the public to view in an interactive format to foster interest in space exploration.
How We Developed This Project
Inspiration:
We selected this challenge as it carries the potential of educating the general public regarding space exploration. The fact that this challenge is also highly relevant to possible future events, has allowed us to tap into our creative abilities in finding unique solutions.
Team Roles:
Modeling
· Create (or obtain) low-poly models using SolidWorks and Blender.
· Export models in .gltf format.
· Obtained models must be open-source or fair-use.
Web Development
· Design a simple and attractive user interface using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
· Host website on personal domain and GitHub Pages.
· Import interactive 3D models into website using ThreeJS and <Model-Viewer>.
Graphics & Design
· Design logo, website assets, and promotional imagery using Adobe Photoshop.
· Extract model UVs using Blender.
· Texture models using Adobe Photoshop.
Social Media
· Share project updates and promotional imagery on Instagram.
· Attract attention towards project and website.
Software/Services:
· SolidWorks – 3D Modeling.
· Blender – 3D modelling, UV mapping and texturing.
· Adobe Photoshop – Model texturing and website graphic design.
· GitHub – Web development and Version Control.
· OneDrive – File backup and storage system.
· Instagram – Establishing social media presence.
How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project
Our project highlights various planetary exploration tools, including some of those used by NASA in the Apollo Program. In addition to an animated 3D rendering of the tools, we offer their respective history and physical attributes.
We have used the following NASA and CSA Datasets on our web page:
• NASA Artemis Geology Tool Catalog
• NASA Catalog of Apollo Lunar Surface Geological Sampling Tools and Containers
• NASA 3D Resources
• CSA Rover Fleet
• CSA Laser plasma emission spectroscopy
Project Demo
Project website: http://extraplaneteers.co/
Project demo: https://youtu.be/K5lPNubYOYQ
Project presentation: ExtraPlaneteers.pptx
Project Code
Data & Resources
• NASA Catalog of Apollo Lunar Surface Geological Sampling Tools and Containers - https://curator.jsc.nasa.gov/lunar/catalogs/other/jsc23454toolcatalog.pdf
• Artemis Geology Tools - https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/topic_5_initial_artemis_geology_sampling_tools.pdf
• Nasa 3D Resources Library - https://nasa3d.arc.nasa.gov/
• CSA Rover Fleet - ftp://data.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/OpenData_DonneesOuvertes/pub/Lunar%20Exploration%20Analogue%20Deployment%20(LEAD)%20-%20Rover%20Data/
• CSA LIBS - ftp://data.asc-csa.gc.ca/users/OpenData_DonneesOuvertes/pub/LIBS/