NASAs 3D app Brings Robotic Spacecraft to Life

A latest application Spacecraft 3D designed by NASA uses animation to show how spacecraft can maneuver and manipulate their outside components. This new concept brings some of the agency's robotic spacecraft to life in 3D. This can be easily availed on iPhone or iPad for free.

Currently this new app is featuring two NASA's mission. First one is the Curiosity Rover that will touch Mars on August and the second being the twin GRAIL spacecraft, Ebb and Flow that is currently orbiting the moon.

"With Spacecraft 3D and a mobile device, you can put high definition, three-dimensional models literally into the hands of kids of all ages," said Stephen Kulczycki, deputy director for communications and education at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. 

The Spacecraft 3D is the first of what is known as augmented reality apps for Apple devices. In this the users are offered a view of a real world environment where elements are improved by additional input. This newly designed apps uses iPhone or iPad camera to overlay information on the device's main screen. The users are given instruction by the app to print an augmented reality target on a standard sheet of paper. When the device's camera is pointed at the target, the spacecraft chosen by the user materializes on screen. 

"Let's say you want to get an idea what our Curiosity Mars rover is all about," said Kevin Hussey, manager of visualization technology at JPL. "Like Hollywood directors sizing up their next shot, you move your camera-equipped iPad or iPhone in and out, up and down, and the spacecraft perspective moves with you. It is a great way to study the 3-D nature of NASA spacecraft." 

The extra features available on Spacecraft 3D is, you can take your own augmented-reality picture of the rover or Grail spacecraft. Plus the user can make a self-portrait with a spacecraft, using their image or someone else in the picture. 

"In the near future, we will incorporate the Cassini spacecraft, which is orbiting Saturn, the Dawn spacecraft, which is deep in the heart of the asteroid belt, and the Voyagers, which are right now at the very edge of our solar system," said Hussey. "Looking down the road, we've got a veritable solar system full of spacecraft to work with." 

Only the Apple users are lucky as this feature is available only for Apple formats currently.