NASA has released footage showcasing astronauts using VR headsets to familiarize themselves with the Lunar Gateway space station. This orbiting outpost will serve as a vital hub for the upcoming Artemis missions, facilitating the transportation of astronauts and cargo to and from the lunar surface. It will also function as a space-based laboratory, mirroring the operations of the International Space Station.
Experienced astronauts Raja Chari and Nicole Mann were selected to test out the VR experience. NASA emphasized that the VR experience goes beyond simply viewing the station, immersing the astronauts in its environment, allowing them to meticulously examine every detail and provide valuable insights on design and functionality.
The VR simulations expose astronauts to various tasks they anticipate encountering during their daily routine on Gateway during actual Artemis missions. These tasks encompass conducting science experiments, retrieving supplies, and preparing meals. While the VR experience offers astronauts an exciting opportunity to explore a virtual representation of the first lunar space station, its purpose extends beyond entertainment. The feedback gathered from these simulations is crucial for engineers to refine the outpost’s design, ensuring it is both safe and comfortable for future visitors.
NASA anticipates the Lunar Gateway to be operational for the Artemis IV mission, currently scheduled for 2028. The agency envisions the Lunar Gateway as a transformative element in deep space exploration, serving as a testbed for cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking scientific advancements. The space station is considered a vital component of the Artemis campaign, aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface for scientific discovery and establishing a foundation for the first human missions to Mars.
The multi-modular facility is slated to commence construction towards the end of this decade and is expected to take approximately five years to complete.
