Build Virtual Reality (XR) assets and scenarios for use by NASA in research focused on extravehicular activities on the surface of Mars.
We are seeking developers to create a new Virtual Reality (XR) research, development, and testing environment to help prepare for the experiences and situations that will be encountered on Mars. If this sounds intriguing and exciting to you, then join the NASA MarsXR Challenge today!
On behalf of NASA, Buendea, and Epic Games, this challenge is seeking developers to create new assets and scenarios for the new Mars XR Operations Support System (XOSS) environment, using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.
This challenge seeks to support NASA by creating additional assets and scenarios focused on particular extravehicular activities (EVA) scenarios that will be used to test procedures and plan for conditions while on Mars. The goal is to create an immersive, engaging, and realistic experience.
The MarsXR Engine currently includes:
Full Martian days, with the orange hues of day transitioning to blue at night.
Realistic weather conditions and Martian gravity.
400 km2 (approximately 154 miles2) of realistic, researched Mars terrain.
Some existing assets, such as suits and rovers.
There are five (5) different categories to participate in, with particular scenarios to explore in each category:
Set Up Camp
Scientific Research
Maintenance
Exploration
Blow Our Minds
The total prize purse is $70,000 for this challenge, shared between twenty (20) individual prizes. Each category will have four prizes, with the overall category winner receiving $6,000.
Teams may submit multiple submissions in each category and submit to multiple categories. Each submission should be materially different from the other submissions the team has made in relation to content and focus. Teams are eligible to and may win more than one award.
About Buendea
Buendea is a group dedicated to technical innovation and breakthroughs in real-time graphics for XR scenario, training, and education. Buendea is passionate about storytelling and creating new forms of shared experiences that bridge the physical and digital.
About Unreal Engine
Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool. Creators across games, film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, live events, simulation and other industries choose Unreal to deliver cutting-edge content, interactive experiences, and immersive virtual worlds. Follow @UnrealEngine and download Unreal for free at unrealengine.com
Awards:- $70,000
Deadline:- 27-07-2022
