NASA Merges Video Game Fun with Real Spacecraft Data to Create New Internet Tool Allowing Public to Explore the Solar System

NASA’s “Eyes on the Solar System” internet interface takes data gathered from the space agency’s spacecraft and combines it with the fun interactive nature of video game technology to create a user experience which “is giving the public the power to journey through the solar system using a new interactive Web-based tool.”

Through the interface, users ride along with spacecraft on a virtual tour of our nearest planets and other features of the cosmos all based on actual data and images captures from real NASA missions.

“This is the first time the public has been able to see the entire solar system and our missions moving together in real-time,” said Jim Green, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington. “It demonstrates NASA’s continued commitment to share our science with everyone.”

The interface relies on a free plug-in for your internet browser which takes advantage of the “Unity” video game engine. This technology it what creates the rich video game like environment which kids of all ages will enjoy, all while viewing real images and data from our solar system.

“You are now free to move about the solar system,” said Blaine Baggett, executive manager in the Office of Communication and Education at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. “See what NASA’s spacecraft see — and where they are right now — all without leaving your computer.”

The system is relatively new and is current released in its beta form with additional enhancements and updates scheduled. As the interface is enhanced it will include current and future missions being conducted by NASA to provide a very hands-on way to keep the public engaged in the progress of the nation’s space agency.

“Eyes on the Solar System,” and an introduction video, are available at:
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eyes