Orbital Scrap Metal – The Video Game V2.0
Orbital Scrap Metal 2.0 - By Road Gang
Summary
We chose the Orbital Scrap Metal 2.0 Video Game challenge because after looking at NASA’s data on space debris, we realized there are huge problems that can be a result of the debris floating in space. This debris can reach up to speeds of 17,500 miles per hour, which is fast enough to damage a spacecraft or a satellite. To address this problem we have created an interactive 360° virtual reality mobile game that is fun and entertaining. This is to appeal to a wide range of users to spread the message to people of all ages. So far, we have only been able to code two levels of this gripping game but we are working on more.
How We Addressed This Challenge
We developed an interactive 360° virtual reality mobile game which raises awareness about the issue of space debris. This is important because space trash is a predominant issue as it can be very harmful to our environment and our lifestyle. For example, space junk can be a huge hazard to active satellites as there is a very high risk of collision from the space debris; this could damage our internet, telecommunications networks and much more. The longer the debris stays in space, its speed increases at this poses an even bigger risk, and this is why we must fix it at the earliest. We used JavaScript and BSD Education to allow us to build this app. Through the interactive nature of the mobile game, it makes it very interesting for future generations to learn about the dangers of space. By the use of this project, we hope to educate the youth about a problem that can cause massive threat and damage to our world.
How We Developed This Project
Our main goal was to create an interactive mobile game which can immerse young minds and inform them about space debris. Previously we had worked on skyboxes, a 360 degree box which when you turn you can see different parts of the environment, using JavaScript; this gave us an idea to make a skybox that has a background of space and insert images of space debris. This was a bit hard but after overcoming a few challenges we were able to create debris inside the skybox that appears at random coordinates on the XYZ plane. After completing this, we decided to add a scoreboard and create a second level. Creating a level 2 wasn’t as hard as we already had the code and all we had to do was enhance and refine the experience. In the first level there are 5 pieces of debris and in the second version there are7 pieces of debris. We are now working on developing more levels so that it becomes more immersive and intriguing for children.
How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project
We used data regarding the amount of space debris in space and their sizes. After looking at this data, we were compelled to create a mobile game that not only informs the future generations about the dangers of space but also involves them through the game. In the future we can use accurate size, shape and location of the space debris to make the game more accurate. Using the data from one of Nasa’s articles on space debris we found the speed at which the debris travels at. This influenced us even more to advocate the topic on space debris as they can cause real harm to satellites and spaceships from the high speeds they travel at.
Project Demo
Project Code
Data & Resources
- https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/centers/hq/library/find/bibliographies/space_debris
- https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-space-junk-and-why-is-it-a-problem.html#:~:text=Space%20junk%2C%20or%20space%20debris,have%20fallen%20off%20a%20rocket
- https://www.britannica.com/technology/space-debris
- https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/content/does-space-junk-fall-sky