Space simulation

K-State seniors help the Cosmosphere reimagine space camp with their VR simulation.

Aboard the International Space Station, astronauts often must identify and seal small air leaks in the hull caused by debris contact.

The Cosmosphere mimics this process during its summer Cosmos camps, giving most campers the chance to identify and seal leaks in their stage mock-up of the ISS.

A partnership with the Cosmosphere gave K-State Salina a welcome opportunity to help revamp the air leak simulation, blending real-world astronaut training concepts with cutting-edge virtual design.

K-State was excited for the chance to use their new virtual reality program, an unparalleled degree path that plunges students into new worlds of creation in gaming, media and interactive experiences.

The plan

K-State faculty came up with the idea of making an even more immersive and accessible simulation with virtual reality. They decided the project would be a perfect capstone for seven seniors — Diego Hinojosa, Zabdiel Ramirez, Dylan Hoeffner, Jacob Klataske, Alec Mendoza, Hunter Taylor and William Ramberg.

The idea was to create a VR game where campers could virtually identify leaks with an audio amplifier and make repairs while experiencing a zero-gravity feel through the headset and controllers.

Execution

The seniors began with VR research and programming practice, then toured the Cosmosphere to get into the space mindset. Then they launched into work.

They used Unreal Engine (a game programming software) to build the simulation. They searched for templates to achieve a zero-gravity effect and used a game model of the ISS as a baseline for appearance.

The simulation creation was challenging, but the seniors persevered through obstacles and setbacks.

After the first draft was completed, they tested the VR air-leak game on local middle schoolers. They found issues with the movement features and adjusted to make the simulation more user-friendly and flexible for young campers.

“We were happy to overcome challenges and get a finished product,” Ramberg said. “It was fun to have an opportunity for hands-on application.”

When the simulation was finished, students presented it to the Cosmosphere, excited to inspire the next generation of STEAM professionals — and maybe even an astronaut or two.

By Kate Ellwood