SpaceXRAcademy

SpaceXRAcademy| Mission to Planet Earth: A Digital History

Mission to Planet Earth: A Digital History

NASA’s activities in space have brought new knowledge of the Earth, inspiring new ways of thinking about humanity and the planet. However, many people aren’t aware that NASA studies the Earth in addition to other planets. Your challenge is to tell stories of NASA’s Earth science enterprise using interactive digital tools. This will test your technical skills and your ability to think like a historian or educator.

Summary

Connecting citizen scientists from underserved communities with quality introductory learning resources on space exploration, the future of life, emerging technologies, human rights and sustainable development within a network of dedicated, compassionate change makers!

How I Addressed This Challenge

I created a series of virtual worlds that can be easily accessed on browsers, mobile devices or VR headsets. I also included a series of additional resources from my year's research into sustainable development and emerging technologies.

I wanted to develop easily shared learning objects that can be used safely by people around the world to explore the positive applications of space exploration and spin off technology towards sustainable development and the future of life.

I hope to provide an enjoyable & safe first contact experience with some of the brands, organizations and ideas that are put forth by my work.

How I Developed This Project

This project was inspired from years of travelling and learning about sustainable development and emerging technology from a non traditional background in tech. As improved internet access is spreading around the world this project is intended to transport and provide resources to communities that may have little to no exposure of these technologies or opportunities to experience in person.

I have been learning and building virtual worlds for the past few months since COVID Space Apps as a way to increase connections, provide immersive experiences and educate on topics of sustainability and the future of space exploration. In Canada, SpaceX and NASA's modern day achievements are less known. After having spent some time visiting in the USA and attending a few rocket launches I wanted to try to recreate some excitement to get more interest in space exploration.

How I Used Space Agency Data in This Project

Data was obtained from 3D models, websites and photographs from NASA missions. I was inspired by NASA's commercial partnership with SpaceX and how collaboration for the future is leading the new space age.

Project Demo

View Slide Deck

Data & Resources

NASA Image Gallery: https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/index.html

3D Models from Sketchfab: https://sketchfab.com

360 Space Photos from Adobe Stock: https://stock.adobe.com/

Mozilla Hubs: https://hubs.mozilla.com/

CanopyLAB: https://canopylab.com/

FrameVR: https://canopylab.com/

AltspaceVR: http://altspacevr.com/

In the learning pathway it also includes links to NASA Home & City Spinoffs: https://homeandcity.nasa.gov/

Completed project at: www.spacexracademy.com

Judging

This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.