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NASA’s Collaboration with Fortnite for Lunar Exploration Simulation
As NASA gears up for its return to the moon with Artemis 3, expected to land at the lunar south pole in 2026, gamers are now able to step into the shoes of astronauts on a lunar expedition through a new simulation within the Fortnite gaming platform. Developed in partnership with Epic Games, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Hassell, the simulation offers players a chance to explore the moon’s south pole region in a virtual environment known as “Lunar Horizons.”
The Lunar Horizons Experience
In “Lunar Horizons,” players are tasked with actively gathering resources such as water and Helium-3 to aid in the construction of the permanent ESA Lunar Habitat. This immersive 3D experience provides a glimpse into a potential future international lunar mission, offering players the opportunity to learn more about space exploration while engaging in the simulated construction process. Players will work alongside RASSOR, an advanced robot, to collect resources across the lunar landscape, all while interacting with astronauts and informational points to deepen their understanding of the mission.
Collaborating closely with Hassell and ESA, the Fortnite team leveraged CAD models of the lunar habitat and unmanned lander to create a realistic lunar environment within the game’s Unreal Editor. ESA astronauts themselves participated in play-testing the simulation, ensuring an authentic and educational experience for players.
Educational Insights
Throughout the development process, the Fortnite team gained valuable insights into various aspects of space science. From the challenges of lunar dust to the perpetual darkness of certain lunar regions, the creation of “Lunar Horizons” provided a unique learning opportunity for both developers and players alike.
To access this engaging lunar exploration experience, players can enter the code 3207-0960-6428 in Fortnite or simply search for “Lunar Horizons” in the Discover tab within the game.
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