Space Teams is a VR-capable program developed and run by Texas A&M University’s ASTRO Lab that is used to learn about space exploration, collaborate in the design of actual space systems, and compete to successfully accomplish the objectives of a space mission.
Space Teams uses a high-fidelity space engineering simulation platform called SpaceCRAFT, which enables students to create their own spacecraft, habitats, rovers and other systems in order to accomplish a specific mission or design challenge. SpaceCRAFT provides a precise virtual reality version of the entire solar system, including all the planets and moons, accurate physics, environmental models, and all the tools needed to build a mission.
Space Teams University
Space Teams University takes the Space Teams software and applies it to a higher education challenge. Undergraduate and graduate student teams utilize Space Teams PRO – a complete modeling and simulation environment of the entire solar system, including the lunar surface. Integrates models and algorithms into a VR mission simulation.
Learn more about Space Teams University’s next mission here.
Space Teams Labs
Space Teams Labs is a 100% NASA-funded program.
Space Teams Labs will provide middle- and high-school-aged students (grades 6-12)* a virtual portal to learn, collaborate, and engage in space mission design and simulation. Space mission virtual reality (VR) demos, such as spacewalking on the International Space Station, exploring the surface of any planet or moon, or experiencing artificial gravity on a rotating space station, will inspire and engage students to pursue STEM. In this collaborative space system virtual reality STEM educational experience, students will…
- collaborate, communicate, problem-solve and work as a team
- conduct a human space exploration mission
- build their own spacecraft
- travel across the vast expanses of space
- create their own base
- explore a new planet
- find resources to sustain mission habitability
…all while learning STEM concepts and meeting next-generation science standards (PDF).
Space Teams Global Challenge
Led by former astronaut, Dr. Greg Chamitoff, this six-day virtual space mission will provide student teams with lessons focused on the technical knowledge and theoretical understanding that is required to design and conduct a successful space mission.
As part of a mission team, students will virtually design spacecraft, navigate to another planet, land their vehicle, build a planetary habitat, and explore a new planet to find resources in order to sustain human life. Students will learn from subject matter experts including astronauts, scientists and engineers who are directly involved in ongoing missions as they compete with other teams for the best mission design.
Space Teams Global Challenge is open to middle and high school explorers ages 12 & up.