Here’s a neat idea! NASA and Microsoft, owners of Mojang, are jointly proposing an educational project to relive the Artemis I mission with Minecraft. The goal is to control the Space Launch System and the Orion ship.
The Artemis program is gaining momentum after comprehensive analysis of data from the test mission gives the go-ahead for Artemis II, currently scheduled by NASA for November 2024. In addition to the power of beautiful images, NASA intends to share the mission by raising awareness among the many young people who use this game known to all.
The mission is to virtually control SLS and Orion, specifically using Python coding. The goal is to raise public awareness of key spaceflight limitations, including rocket design and propulsion.
Official trailer. ©Microsoft
Learn space with Minecraft
The game is increasingly used in schools and Mojang has implemented many educational projects that take place in the Minecraft universe. To relive Artemis I, two lessons are on the program: building the launcher, where creativity is required, but also team spirit and communication; the flight in lunar orbit with Orion, recalling the needs in computer terms and in coding for the good progress of the mission.
The Minecraft Education Artemis Missions program is aimed at young people aged 8+ who are interested in science, space and their professions, as well as teachers. After the many Artemis I Lives, the public of all ages was able to immerse themselves in the return to the moon with NASA. With this educational program, NASA aims to engage as many people as possible in a more immersive experience to “encourage them to see themselves as astronauts or scientists.” Useful details can be found here.
This isn’t the first time Minecraft has been prompted to detect launchers. In 2021, ArianeGroup participated in the creation of a Minecraft world based on Ariane 5.
Walk around the Ariane 5 with YouTuber Aurélien Sama. © Aurelien Sama