Category Archives: Simulators

General, Science and Technology, Simulators

Video: ‘Are you living in a simulation’ – SETI Institute seminar

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Prof. Silas Beane (Univ. of Washington) gives a SETI Institute seminar on the question, Are you living in a simulation?

 

From the caption:

Philosophers have long considered the possibility that we live in an artificial or simulated reality. Dr. Beane gives a short overview of some of the simulation arguments/scenarios that he personally finds most compelling.

Dr. Beane then attempts to frame the simulation argument in the context of science. In particular, discusses recent work which suggests various observational tests of the hypothesis that we are currently living in a simulated universe. These include studies of the cosmic microwave background, high-energy cosmic rays, and high-precision terrestrial experiments.

Simulators, Space participation

Going to space in a caravan

Here’s an interesting report about a “bunch of guys [who built] a starship simulator in a caravan” (i.e. a “trailer” in US/Canada) : The DIY Spaceship Simulator That’s More Immersive Than Virtual Reality – Motherboard

While virtual reality games are often called “immersive,” this experience showed that the most captivating experiences don’t have to involve wearing goggles. I was inside the LHS Bikeshed spaceship simulator, a DIY, sci-fi styled caravan that takes immersive gaming to the next level.

Unlike VR, the game delivers its real kicks through off-screen elements. When the ship shakes, the whole caravan actually physically shakes. When you have to plug in an emergency cable to save the ship, you have to actually, physically get up and plug the right cable into the right port. It’s not virtual reality, it’s real-life reality—and that’s what made it the best space simulator I’ve ever set foot in.

Find a history of the project at LHS BIKESHED.

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Living in Space, Simulators

HI-SEAS space habitat simulation in Hawaii + Things to do now to build a space colony

On Monday’s episode of The Space Show, Dr. Kim Binsted and Simon Engler of the University of Hawaii discussed the Hawaiian Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) project : Dr. Kim Binsted, Simon Engler-HI-SEAS-Monday, 9-8-14 – Thespaceshow’s Blog

Dr. Binsted and Simon introduced us to the HI-SEAS project, described its ideal location in Hawaii, and the physical site itself.  Simon was on the first mission which was a four month simulation.  He described the simulation, his experiences and perspectives throughout our discussion.  Kim also described her FMARS at Devon Island experiences in this segment.  We learned that for the HI-SEAS projects, the first focus was on food and the food system which they explained in detail.   Crew dynamics were discussed  plus our guests took us through the crew screening process.  Also talked about were crew issues, conflict resolution and crew leadership.   I asked about the relevance of analog research to a real Mars mission then our guests brought up the need to retire risks, especially team risks. 

Listen to the program here:

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Speaking of living in space, here is a discussion of  the feasibility of space colonies with today’s technologies : 8 Things We Can Do Now to Build a Space Colony This Century

Education, Simulators, Space participation

Videos: Spacecraft and mission control simulators for kids

Check out this awesome spacecraft  playroom simulator built by Jeff Highsmith for his young son : Making Fun: Kid’s Room Spacecraft – MAKE

And a mission control console/desk goes with it : Making Fun: Mission Control Desk – MAKE

Education, Simulators, Software

HOMA orbit simulator

Check out the Homa  online space orbit simulator and “Experience the joy of simulating space orbits!” The online tool is the creation of Iranian aerospace engineer Abolfazl Shirazi.

This site focuses on online simulation of space orbits including 3D visualization of orbits, ground track and analytical results with given orbital parameters. It is optimized for learning orbital mechanics and analyzing space orbits.

 

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