Potential of virtual worlds for remote space exploration

A brief description is given for the potential of virtual worlds to remote space exploration and other space-related activities. The major characteristics of current virtual worlds are identified. Recent commercial and open source virtual worlds are listed. Some of the current NASA and other space-related applications of virtual worlds are described, along with some of the tools for virtual space exploration.The technologies and facilities needed to transform the 2D flat internet into a 360° multi-sensory immersive virtual world experience are identified. A vision is described for a remote space exploration ecosystem (RSEE), which incorporate a massively multi-participant immersive synthetic environment and other advanced facilities, for inspiring and motivating the international community about space activities. High-fidelity visual simulations of future space missions in the immersive synthetic environment and virtual world facilities can engage the public and give them the sense of being there.The future of virtual worlds is bright. Its transformative power is likely to impact many facets of future space programs and missions, and support the concept of collaborative participatory virtual space exploration.