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Simulate Future Space at NASA Ames SimLabs

 

State-of-the-art simulation facilities at NASA Ames SimLabs are available to develop new space concepts and technologies. Test your future space systems today! 

A pilot stands at the controls of the VMS and views the out-the-window displays of the lunar surface.
Altair Lunar Lander handling qualities study at the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS). As we learned from Constellation, landing on the Moon is extremely challenging from a control point of view, and motion-based simulation is critical for autonomous and piloted flight to study sensor and dynamics issues.
NASA / Dominic Hart

Working on new concepts for lunar vehicles and operations?

See a lunar lander in simulation: the closest thing to landing on the Moon we can experience on Earth.
SimLabs has demonstrated success in past lunar lander simulation studies. Our in-house expertise and customizable hardware/software are ideal for new space systems research. Possibilities include a lunar lander docking with a lunar gateway, landing on the surface of the Moon, and performing lunar operations. Develop ideas and test the system as an integrated whole with immersive visuals and human-in-the-loop capability at any stage. Explore, define, and solve issues in spacecraft design; optimize vehicle performance and controllability.

Astronaut Terry Virts in the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS)
SimLabs contributed to advancements for the Space Shuttle Vehicle, including evaluating the effects of engineering and operational changes to improve safety and operation. Shuttle Commanders have said that the Vertical Motion Simulator has the most accurate representation of a Shuttle landing.
NASA / Dominic Hart

Designing the next generation of space vehicles?

Improve safety and operations in a low-cost, risk-free simulation environment!
Simulation studies at SimLabs evaluated the effects of engineering and operational changes for the Space Shuttle Vehicle. With over 30 years of contributions to the Space Shuttle program, we have the experience and tools to test new ideas for future spaceflight. Conducting simulation before launch benefits all participants as we optimize performance for the Moon to Mars journey.

Concept image showing the Gateway in lunar orbit
We can test future vehicle concepts and operations in a virtual space before building in outer space! Simulation possibilities include Gateway assembly, docking, refueling, and more as we explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Credits: NASA

Need a “one stop shop” for space studies?

NASA Ames Research Center is a premier location for aerospace research, right in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Co-located resources include several wind tunnel test sites, Arc Jet atmospheric reentry material/structures evaluation facility, hover testing facility, centrifuge, and much more. Our simulation facilities at NASA Ames Research Center are conveniently located for multidisciplinary partnerships with commercial space companies, high tech start-ups, universities, and many other organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. We can also connect our labs (for example to provide simultaneous cockpit, space traffic control, and lunar surface perspectives) and virtually extend the capabilities of our labs to distant locations — this unique technology gives remote researchers tools for monitoring and controlling simulations in real-time. 

Learn more and connect with us today!

Contact Us to learn more about partnering opportunities at NASA Ames SimLabs.
Our simulation facilities are ready to put your future concepts and technologies to the test. From the Moon to Mars, we will work with you to customize simulations to fit your needs.

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Technical Papers

Information about research and space systems simulations at the VMS