The Smithsonian and Meta Immersive Learning are set to open a new virtual reality (VR) experience that allows guests to ‘walk on the moon’ as part of the ‘Futures’ exhibition at the Arts and Industries Building (AIB).
Launching on 4 May, ‘Futures x Meta: Moonwalk’ was created using thousands of archival images, 3D scans of Smithsonian collections, NASA mission audio recordings and VR technology.
Available through 6 June, the experience lets visitors ‘land on the moon’ and see the lunar surface through the window of the Apollo 11 landing capsule. Guests will ‘walk on the surface of the moon’ and kick moon dust before returning to Earth.
Rachel Goslins, director of the Arts and Industries Building, said the attraction will “give visitors a new groundbreaking experience of moon travel”.
“Experiencing ‘Moonwalk’ is going to ignite future dreams of adventure and space travel in our next generation of budding scientists and space explorers,” she added.
‘Moonwalk’ opening as part of ‘Futures’ exhibition
Monica Arés, head of Meta Immersive Learning, said the experience shows how “immersive technology can transform the way we learn by exploring simulated environments”.
“Through a combination of in-person, virtual and immersive experiences in the metaverse, we can increase access to education and help build a more connected and curious world,” Arés added.
Researchers and filmmakers used cutting-edge photogrammetry to put together more than 7,000 archival images taken by NASA missions.
This was combined with archival audio recordings from Apollo lunar landings. as well as 3D scans of the Apollo 11 command module from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
AIB and Meta are also launching augmented reality (AR) effects on Instagram, with users able to learn about AIB’s history with space travel, explore the Apollo command module and take a ‘lunar selfie’ as an astronaut.
‘Futures’, designed by architecture firm Rockwell Group, will feature more than 150 objects, ideas, prototypes and installations that imagine the future.
Images: Smithsonian/Meta
