During my time at NASA, I served as a key contributor to the development of a Virtual Reality (VR) training simulator designed to prepare astronauts for mission-critical tasks in space. The project required deep collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, combining advanced simulation design with real-world mission parameters. My primary responsibility was to build immersive training scenarios that accurately modeled microgravity environments and astronaut tools, ensuring both spatial realism and instructional fidelity. These training experiences were essential in helping astronauts acclimate to complex procedures and unexpected variables in space.
To execute this project, I leveraged a diverse skill set that included 3D modeling, animation rigging, Unity development (C#), user experience design, and instructional design methodologies. I was deeply involved in creating interactive digital twins of spacecraft modules, scripting logic-driven simulations, and optimizing performance to ensure smooth VR playback within hardware constraints. The simulator demanded precision and reliability, as it was used to train professionals for high-stakes environments where errors could have serious consequences. This work also required systems thinking, as each VR scenario had to integrate seamlessly with NASA’s broader training ecosystem and protocols.
In addition to technical implementation, I played a strategic role in translating astronaut training goals into VR-friendly experiences, conducting usability testing with subject matter experts, and iterating on feedback. I developed clear documentation, debugged cross-platform issues, and maintained version control using Git. This project not only honed my technical and design capabilities but also strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas, manage high expectations, and deliver under tight timelines within a mission-driven organization. The success of the simulator contributed to safer, more effective astronaut readiness, aligning directly with NASA’s vision for innovation in space exploration training.
