NASA has launched a new application for Apple’s iPad and iPhone this week called Spacecraft 3D, which is an augmented reality app that allows you to investigate and learn more about NASA spacecraft and their missions.
The NASA iOS app allows you to print off and use augmented reality targets with the iPad/iPhone camera to view closeup images and see how the NASA Spacecraft move and view the spacecrafts’ engineering feats.
Features and Capabilities
NASA explains that their Spacecraft 3D iOS app will be updated over time to include “more of the amazing spacecraft that act as our robotic eyes on the earth, the solar system and beyond!” This means that users can expect a growing library of spacecraft models, each with detailed information and interactive features. The app currently includes models of well-known spacecraft such as the Curiosity Rover and the Voyager spacecraft, allowing users to explore these engineering marvels in great detail.
The augmented reality feature of the app is particularly impressive. By using the camera on your iPad or iPhone, the app overlays a 3D model of the spacecraft onto a real-world background. This allows users to see the spacecraft from all angles and even interact with it by moving their device around. The app also includes animations that show how different parts of the spacecraft move and operate, providing a deeper understanding of their functionality.
Educational Value
The Spacecraft 3D app is not just a fun tool for space enthusiasts; it also has significant educational value. Teachers can use the app in classrooms to provide students with a hands-on learning experience. For example, students can explore the Curiosity Rover’s various instruments and learn about their functions, or they can see how the Voyager spacecraft’s antennae and other components are designed to communicate with Earth from billions of miles away.
Moreover, the app includes detailed descriptions and facts about each spacecraft, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in space exploration. Users can learn about the missions these spacecraft are involved in, the challenges they face, and the scientific discoveries they have made. This makes the app a great tool for both casual learners and serious students of space science.
The augmented reality iOS app is now available to download from the iTunes App Store for free. This makes it accessible to a wide audience, from young students to seasoned space enthusiasts. By providing a free, interactive way to explore NASA’s spacecraft, the app helps to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
In conclusion, NASA’s Spacecraft 3D app is a groundbreaking tool that combines cutting-edge technology with educational content. It allows users to explore and interact with NASA’s spacecraft in a way that was previously impossible. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just a space enthusiast, this app offers a unique and engaging way to learn about the incredible machines that explore our universe.
Source: Slashgear
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