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Connor Jakubik edited this page Apr 2, 2025 · 142 revisions

Space Teams PRO Wiki

The Space Teams Platform for Research and Operations (PRO), developed at the Texas A&M ASTRO Lab & SimDynamX LLC, is a platform made for large scale engineering system design, integration and collaboration. It is a Virtual Reality 'Sandbox' environment designed to enable students, government and commercial entities to collaborate, design, evaluate and experience technology, to simulate and evaluate space system architectures. Space Teams aims to enable any person or institution to contribute to humanity’s future in space. Space Teams' simulation architecture allows for quick, modular integration of physical and analytical models of the simulated environment, engineering systems, and human-computer interfaces. These components can be integrated and tested within actual operational scenarios in a richly detailed VR space. Space Teams provides the physics and environment; you provide your designs.

These pages will help you understand how certain aspects of Space Teams function.

The date next to the page is the last-edited date in YYYY/MM/DD format.

Most Recent Additions/Changes

You can see the exact content of the change by clicking the __ revisions link next to the title on any page, and comparing the latest iteration with an earlier copy.

  1. 2025/03/29 C++ Developer Setup
  2. 2025/03/28 Python API Docs
  3. 2025/03/28 Vehicle Flight Dynamics Design and Analysis
  4. 2025/03/28 Sensor Simulation
  5. 2025/03/28 Mission Operations Situational Awareness Digital Twin
  6. 2025/02/17 Logging & Error Handling
  7. 2025/02/17 (Section) Added dozens of papers to Publications & Theses

  • Pages with ⭐ next to them are "required reading" to work with Space Teams.

  • Pages with ❌ next to them have not yet been written.
  • Pages with 🚧 next to them need additional work.
  • Pages with ☑️ next to them are likely to be in a good state, at least for the time of writing.
  • Pages with ✅ next to them have been recently updated (~2 months).

Link to Video Tutorials ⭐

Note that almost always, the videos will be less up-to-date than the written documentation here. Also, take a look at errata notes here.

Installing Space Teams

  1. ☑️ 2024/03/24 System Requirements
  2. ☑️ 2024/01/30 Installation & Setup ⭐
  3. ☑️ 2024/01/30 Starting your First Sim ⭐

The Fundamentals

Explanation of the building blocks of a Space Teams Platform simulation.

  1. ☑️ 2024/11/11 How to Start a Sim ⭐
  2. ☑️ 2024/12/26 Space Teams Platform Simulation Structure ⭐
  3. ☑️ 2024/12/25 The Parameter ⭐
  4. ☑️ 2025/01/02 The Entity / Entity Common Parameters ⭐
  5. ☑️ 2025/01/02 Entity Types ⭐
  6. 🚧 2025/01/21 The System ⭐
  7. ☑️ 2024/08/03 The Sim Config ⭐
  8. 🚧 2021/10/18 The Entity Config ⭐

Simulation Development Workflow

0. FAQ: Issues marked question and FAQ

General

  1. ✅ 2025/02/17 Logging & Error Handling ⭐
  2. ❌ 2023/00/00 Making Sim Configs ⭐
  3. 🚧 2024/03/27 Sim Config Editor ⭐
  4. 🚧 2025/01/21 Importing 3D Models
  5. ❌ 2025/01/03 Catalog of Core Assets

Python

  1. ☑️ 2024/11/11 Python Developer Setup
  2. ☑️ 2024/06/18 Make a New Python System
  3. ✅ 2025/03/28 Python API Docs

C++

  1. ✅ 2025/03/29 C++ Developer Setup
  2. ❌ 2024/00/00 C++ API Docs

Dataset APIs

  1. ❌ 2025/00/00 GMRAD Raster Data Sampling

Physics and Propagation

Explanations of the methods and implementations of our physics and propagation (dynamics integration) systems.

  1. ❌ 2025/00/00 Propagation Types
  2. ☑️ 2024/03/18 Timekeeping
  3. ☑️ 2023/10/19 ReferenceFrames ⭐

Use Cases

Explaining STP's capabilities and template projects for specific use cases.

  1. 🚧 2025/02/14 General Visualization
  2. 🚧 2025/02/14 Image Generation
  3. 🚧 2025/02/14 Human-in-the-Loop Analysis and Training
  4. 🚧 2025/03/28 Vehicle Flight Dynamics Design and Analysis
  5. 🚧 2025/03/28 Sensor Simulation
  6. 🚧 2025/03/28 Mission Operations Situational Awareness Digital Twin
  7. ❌ 2025/00/00 Orbit Simulation & Maneuver Planning
  8. ❌ 2025/00/00 Autonomous Robotics Simulation
  9. ❌ 2025/00/00 Resource Flow & Multiphysics
  10. ❌ 2025/00/00 Multi-Sim-Run, Monte Carlo, Machine Learning

Specific Domains

  1. ❌ 2025/00/00 Lunar Lander Integrated Simulation
  2. ❌ 2025/00/00 Robotic Planet Surface Operations

Verification & Validation

Documentation and links to publications which explain the accuracy of our modeling and our methods for verification/validation.

  1. ❌ 2025/00/00 RigidBodyPropagator
  2. ❌ 2025/00/00 High Fidelity Gravity Anomaly
  3. ☑️ 2025/01/21 GMRAD Planet Rendering

Publications / Theses

Various papers that describe or use Space Teams presented at technical conferences by ASTRO Lab & SimDynamX employees. Ordered most to least recent. Up to date as of 2025/02/01.

Note: Space Teams used to be called SpaceCRAFT.

  1. 🚧 2025/01/22 (Lunar Surface Navigation) W. Lee, A. Sein, C. Jakubik, G. Chamitoff, Celestial and Horizon Matching Navigation Techniques for Lunar Surface Operations, AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kauai, Hawaii, January 19-23, 2025. (Access)
  2. ☑️ 2025/01/10 (Aerodynamic Modeling) K. Vellore, H. Cervantes, G. Gray, I. El-Loubani, I. Orrego, G. Szot, N. Wigginton, B. Wilson, G. Chamitoff, Real-time Multi-regime Aerodynamic Modeling for Arbitrary Geometries in Planetary Atmospheric Flight, AIAA SciTech Conference, Orlando, FL, January 6-10, 2025. (Access)
  3. ☑️ 2025/01/10 (Space Vehicle Design) A. Lanham, I. Short, M. Boyle, M. Bradberry, J. Elegores, K. Elmore, N. Maupin, M. Miller, N. Siodlarz, W. Truoy, W. Lee, A. Sein, G. Chamitoff, The Planetary Exploration Transport, AIAA SciTech Conference, Orlando, FL, January 6-10, 2025. (Access)
  4. 🚧 2024/04/26 (Space Vehicle Design) M. Boyle, M. Bradberry, K. Correa, D. Dunlop, J. Elegores, K. Elmore, M. King, A. Lanham, C. Lubin, M. Maupin, M. Miller, N. Siodlarz, I. Short, W. Truoy, G. Chamitoff, Planetary Exploration Transport (PET), Poster, Texas A&M Engineering Showcase, College Station, TX, April 26, 2024. (Access)
  5. 🚧 2024/04/02 (Relativistic Effects Simulation) A. Sein, W. Lee, C. Jakubik, N. McHenry, O. Mohmand, N. Vanous, G. Chamitoff, Relativistic Virtual-Reality Space Mission Simulator, Poster, NAE Space and Time Symposium, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, April 2, 2024. (Access)
  6. ☑️ 2024/03/09 (Multiphysics Simulation) C. Jakubik, L. Floyd, G. Chamitoff, Asynchronous Multiphysics for Spacecraft System Modeling and Simulation, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2-9, 2024. (Access)
  7. ☑️ 2024/03/09 (Relativistic Localization) A.Sein, W. Lee, C. Jakubik, N. McHenry, O. Mohmand, N. Vanous, G. Chamitoff, Relativistic Localization for Solar System Navigation, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2-9, 2024. (Access)
  8. ☑️ 2024/01/12 (VR UI) I.Gomez, S. DeNicola, N. McHenry, G. Chamitoff, A. McNamara, Exploring Interaction Modalities for Hands-Free Menu Navigation: Insights from Immersive Experimentation, AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, Jan 8-12, 2024. (Access)
  9. ☑️ 2023/10/21 (ST Academy Results) F. Arias, E. Koock, G. Chamitoff, From Classroom to Cosmos: The Impact of Space Teams Academy on Engineering Education, Frontiers in Education (FIE) Conference, College Station, Oct 18-21, 2023. (Access)
  10. ☑️ 2023/01/01 (ST Academy Results) E. Koock, F. Arias, C. Duncan, G. Chamitoff, Space Teams STEM Competition: Outcomes and Efficacy, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, National Harbor, MD, Jan 2023. (Access)
  11. ☑️ 2022/10/11 (VR-Enhanced Exercise) N. Keller, R. Whittle, N. McHenry, A. Johnson, C. Duncan, L. Ploutz-Snyder, G. de la Torre, M. Sheffield-Moore, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Virtual Reality “exergames”: A promising countermeasure to improve motivation and restorative effects during long duration spaceflight missions, Frontiers in Physiology: Environmental, Aviation and Space Physiology, 11 October 2022. (Access)
  12. 🚧 2023/10/01 (Surface Ops Simulation) W. Lee, G. Dalton, A. Sein, C. Jakubik, C. Duncan, N. McHenry, T. Weidner, G. Chamitoff, Integrated Lunar Surface EVA and Telerobotic Operations Simulation for Crew Training, NASA Space Grant Western Conference, Houston, Texas, October 2022. (Access)
  13. 🚧 2022/09/01 (Surface Ops Simulation) W. Lee, G. Dalton, A. Sein, C. Jakubik, C. Duncan, N. McHenry, T. Weidner, G. Chamitoff, Virtual Reality Multiuser Simulation of Surface Operations for Artemis and Mars missions, International Astronautical Conference (IAC), Paris, France, September 2022. (Access)
  14. ❌ 2022/04/01 (ST Academy) G. Chamitoff, Human Spaceflight and the Space Teams Mission Design STEM Challenge, FASESA Conference - Increasing Student Interest and Engagement in Space Exploration, Johannesburg, April, 2022. (Access)
  15. ❌ 2022/03/01 (Sim Development UI) W. Young, P. Zhong, C. Jakubik, N. McHenry, G. Chamitoff, Simulation Builder, Analysis, and Development (SimBAD) Toolkit for Human Spaceflight Operation Training using the SpaceCRAFT Simulation Platform, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2022. (Access)
  16. ❌ 2021/03/01 (VR-Enhanced Exercise) N. Keller, N. McHenry, C. Duncan, A. Johnston, R. Whittle, E. Koock, S. Bhattacharya, G. De La Torre, L. Ploutz-Snyder, M. Sheffield-Moore, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Augmenting Exercise Protocols with Interactive Virtual Reality Environments, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2021. (Access)
  17. ❌ 2021/03/01 (XR Telepresence for Robotics) N. McHenry, P. Zhong, J. Cox, M. Amiscaray, J. Spencer, K.C. Wong, G. Chamitoff, Predictive Extended Reality Telepresence for Robotic Operations in Space, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2021. (Access)
  18. ❌ 2021/01/01 (ST Academy) A. Sein, C. Duncan, P. Zhong, E. Koock, W. Lee, C. Jakubik, N. McHenry, J. Spencer, G. Chamitoff, STEM Education Through Virtual Space System Design Competitions, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Nashville, TN, Jan 2021. (Access)
  19. ❌ 2021/01/01 (VR Crew Training Methods) W. Young, E. Koock, C. Duncan, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Determining the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training Methods for Pre-Flight and On-Orbit Spaceflight Missions, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Nashville, TN, Jan 2021. (Access)
  20. ☑️ 2020/12/01 (ST Software Architecture) C. Jakubik, A. Johnston, P. Zhong, N. McHenry, G. Chamitoff, SpaceCRAFT VR: an Event-Driven, Modular Simulation Platform with Fully Asynchronous Physics, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Nashville, TN, Jan 2021. (Access)
  21. ☑️ 2020/10/01 (Planet Surface Rendering) D. Fisher, M. McCarthy, C. Jakubik, P. Zhong, W. Smonko, K. Mares, G. Chamitoff, Accurate Planetary Mesh Generation in Full-Scale Simulation Environments, IEEE Conference on Scientific Visualization (SciVis), Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct 2020. (Access)
  22. ❌ 2020/03/01 (GAN-based Surface Detail Generation) S. Bhattacharya, Z. Summers, A. Panchal, E. Koock, N. McHenry, G. Chamitoff, Using GANs to Generate Random Surface Materials for High Fidelity Low Altitude Imaging Simulations, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, March 2020. (Access)
  23. ❌ 2020/01/01 (VR Crew Training Methods) N. McHenry, T. Hunt, W. Young, A. Gardner, U. Bhagavatula, B. Bontz, J. Chiu, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Evaluation of Pre-Flight and On Orbit Training Methods Utilizing Virtual Reality, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, Jan 2020. (Access)
  24. ❌ 2020/01/01 (SLAM Simulation with Realistic Rendering) A. Bettens, B. Morrell, M. Coen, N. McHenry, X. Wu, P. Gibbens, G. Chamitoff, Unreal Navigation: Simulation Software for testing SLAM in Virtual Reality, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, Jan 2020. (Access)
  25. ❌ 2020/01/01 (VR-Enhanced Exercise) N. Keller, R.S. Whittle, N. McHenry, S. Bhattacharya, C. Duncan, E. Koock, L. Ploutz-Snyder, G. de la Torre, M. Sheffield-Moore, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Augmenting Exercise Protocols with Interactive Virtual Reality Environments, Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop Conference, Galveston, Jan 2020. (Access)
  26. ❌ 2019/01/01 (Rendering for testing Star Trackers) N. McHenry, T. Hunt, D. Mortari, G. Chamitoff, Virtual Reality As a Testbed for Star Tracker Algorithms, AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, January 2019. (Access)
  27. ❌ 2018/05/01 (ST Concept and Architecture) N. McHenry, R. Hogan, M. Coen, M. Holub, B. Morrell, G. James, G. Chamitoff, SpaceCRAFT: A Virtual Reality Sandbox and Open-Source Mission Simulation Platform, SpaceOps 2018, Marseilles, France, May 2018. (Access)
  28. ❌ 2017/09/01 (ST Concept and Architecture) R. Hogan, N. McHenry, M. Coen, B. Morrell, G. Chamitoff, SpaceCRAFT: A Virtual Reality Sandbox Environment, International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, September 2017 (Access)
  29. ❌ 2017/09/01 (ST Concepts) N. McHenry., R. Hogan, E. Abdou, M. Coen, B. Morrell, T. Zochowski, G. Chamitoff, Virtual Reality Multi-User Space System Mission Design and Simulation: Engaging the Public Through Open-Source Collaboration, International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, September 2017 (Access)
  30. ❌ 2017/09/01 (ST Concepts) E. Abdou, Y. Zochowski, B. Morrell, G. Chamitoff, X. Wu, N. McHenry, R. Hogan, M. Coen, SpaceCRAFT: Endeavouring Towards A Martian Virtual Reality for Mission Operation Evaluation, International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, September 2017 (Access)
  31. ❌ 2017/01/01 (VR Situational Awareness for Robotics) V. Goecks, G. Chamitoff, S. Borissov, A. Probe, et al., Virtual Reality for Enhanced 3D Astronaut Situational Awareness During Robotic Operations in Space, AIAA SciTech Conference, Grapevine, Texas, January 2017. (Access)

Related Non-Space-Teams Work

  1. List of non-Space-Teams-related ASTRO lab publications.
  2. ❌ 2023/03/01 (AR EVA Suit UI) C. Pouwels, N. McHenry, I. Gomez, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz Artiles, Applications of Augmented Reality for Extravehicular Activity: Field Results from the Implementation of SCOUT Assistant on EVA Spacesuits, Acta Astronautica, March 2023. (Access)
  3. ❌ 2022/10/28 (AR EVA Suit UI) L. Davis, N. McHenry, M. Carrera, L. Brady, K. Mayorga, B. Balthazor, I. Gomez, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Remote virtual whiteboard assistance for improving task performance during lunar surface operations, Virtual Reality 26, 559–570 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-021-00596-1 (Access)
  4. ❌ 2022/10/01 (ISRU Mission Design and Analysis) C. Erwin, C. Jakubik, B Mathews, K. Mabe, D. Robledo, L. McFarling, N. Manavi, G. Chamitoff, Autonomous Rover Mission Design for Lunar ISRU H2O Extraction, ASCEND, Las Vegas, Oct 2022. (Access)
  5. ❌ 2022/09/01 (AR EVA Suit UI) C. Pouwels, N. McHenry, I. Gomez, G. Chamitoff. A. Diaz Artiles, Applications of Augmented Reality for Extravehicular Activity: Field Results from the implementation of SCOUT Assistant on EVA Spacesuits, International Astronautical Conference (IAC), Paris, France, September 2022. (Access)
  6. ❌ 2022/03/01 (AR EVA Suit UI) N. McHenry, L. Brady, J. Vives-Cortes, E. Cana, I. Gomez, M. Carrera, K. Mayorga, J. Mustafa, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Adaptive Navigation for Lunar Surface Operations Using Deep Learning and Holographic Telepresence, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2022. (Access)
  7. ❌ 2020/03/01 (AR EVA Suit UI) N. McHenry, L. Davis, I. Gomez, N. Coute, N. Roehrs, C. Villagran, G. Chamitoff, A. Diaz-Artiles, Design of an AR Visor Display System for Extravehicular Activity Operations, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, MT, March 2020. (Access)

WIP conversion to new format

  1. ☑️ 2022/08/01 Nikita Beebe Thesis - Astrogation AR Interface
  2. ❌ 2022/00/00 William Young Thesis - SimBAD
  3. ❌ 2021/00/00 Michael McCarthy Thesis - Prox Ops w/ Obstacle Avoidance

Sections

Installing Space Teams

The Fundamentals

Simulation Development Workflow

Physics and Propagation

Use Cases

Verification & Validation

Publications / Theses

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