A NASA-created application that brings some of
the agency's robotic spacecraft to life in 3D now is available for free on the
iPhone and iPad. Called Spacecraft 3D, the app uses animation to show how
spacecraft can maneuver and manipulate their outside components. Spacecraft 3D
is among the first of what are known as augmented-reality apps for Apple
devices. Augmented reality provides users a view of a real-world environment
where elements are improved by additional input. Spacecraft 3D uses the iPhone
or iPad camera to overlay information on the device's main screen. The app
instructs users 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. Spacecraft 3D
also has a feature where you can take your own augmented-reality picture of the
rover or GRAIL spacecraft. You can even make a self-portrait with a spacecraft,
putting yourself or someone else in the picture. Spacecraft 3D currently is
available only for Apple formats, but should be available on other formats in
the near future. The detailed computer models of the spacecraft used in
Spacecraft 3D originally were originally generated for NASA's ‘Eyes on the
Solar System’ Web application. ‘Eyes on the Solar System’ is a 3D environment
full of NASA mission data that allows anyone to explore the cosmos from their
computer.
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