NASA considering making a virtual world game

NASA wants to create a virtual world to stimulate students’ interest in space. The virtual world will simulate real NASA engineering and science missions. NASA is currently seeking vendors to create programs.

According to the BBC, NASA wants to generate interest for space among students by creating a virtual world where participants can be involved in missions that mimic real NASA space missions. The main idea behind this multiplayer online game is to help train future scientists and nurture interest in space among students. NASA already has a similar virtual game in Second Life. Simon Worden, director of the project in NASA spoke to BBC and said: "We at NASA are working hard to create opportunities for what I might call participatory exploration…We are looking at how this island can be a portal for all to fly along on space missions." The US Army also has similar virtual world games that mimic combat missions to generate interest among new recruits. With NASA’s huge resources and database records about space, I would imagine they could create wonderful games that could teach a lot about space.