Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA is a free new app that shares an experience for mobile devices and the web that gives users the ability to take control of a SpaceX Crew Dragon or Boeing Starliner. The virtual experience lets users plan and run simulated commercial missions to space, beginning with selecting a spacecraft and crew—from a selection of 10 real astronauts—launching and docking. For players who are looking for more of a challenge, the app even allows users to attempt docking with the International Space Station while in manual mode.
The experience gives users a sense of what it takes to complete missions to the ISS, offering a fun and educational look at the missions that are scheduled to take place next year.
Image Credit: Futurism
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Space Tourism Apps
- Apps like Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA are creating a new market for space tourism experiences by offering users the ability to plan and run simulated commercial missions to space.
- Virtual Mission Planning Tools
- Emerging apps like Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA are giving users the ability to plan complex commercial missions, opening doors for the development of other virtual mission planning tools
- Commercial Spaceflight Education
- Apps like Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA are providing an educational look at commercial spaceflight missions, creating a new opportunity for education-based activities in commercial spaceflight.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Space Tourism
- The emergence of space tourism apps like Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for space tourism companies by providing them the experience and opportunity to plan and run commercial missions to space virtually.
- Virtual Reality
- The development of space expedition apps like NASA's Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the virtual reality industry to create similar immersive experiences for users.
- Education and Training
- Apps like Rocket Science: Ride 2 Station by NASA offer an education-based opportunity for technology and educational companies to develop programs and tools that simulate commercial spaceflight missions.
