1969-07-21 04:42:38 UTC the most iconic image of the 20th century was taken. Now in VR180
As part of "Excursion: 154 Minutes on the Moon" part of the "Apollo 11: 'One Small Step For...' VR Experiences" series, I have captured a couple of stereo 360 images using NVIDIA Ansel in latest version using Unreal 4.24.1 with RT enabled on a RTX2070 Super showing off multi-bounce capability of the reflections on their visors and other mirrored surfaces. These two images brought into Adobe Premiere and added titling, video and audio to match the exact time the iconic image staged here, was taken and rendered at 6400x6400 in Over/Under stereo paired MP4, encoded at VB1 80-130 bps & re-encoded with Google's VR180 Creators app in hopes that with the right VR hardware, you will be able to get a glimpse of the realism I am hoping to achieve in updated VR experience I showed off on 7/20/2020, the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing at the VR Cafe in Portland, OR. The version that will be released on 4.11.2020 (launch date of Apollo 13) will include a cinematic level where you are witness to five events that took place in those historic 154 minutes, as well as a "Sandbox" level that you can explore the landing site on your own, with tidbits of guided information on the equipment and events from Houston control along with an animated version of the scene seen here.
"Apollo 11: 'One Small Step For...' VR Experiences" will also include two other experiences:
"Ascent: Eagle Has left the Moon" Where you can either sit back and let DISKY's orbital insertion program take you into orbit so you can enjoy the view that was seen by Neil & Buzz as the left the moon, or take over the controls using XBOX 360 One controller, Thrustmaster HOTUS, or Thrustmaster 16000 with trust controller to manually place yourself on the trajectory for proper orbital insertion (user edited controller file will allow you to map to other joystick/thrust controls as well). Just remember, one miscalculation and you either become lunar debris, or find yourself in orbit around the sun. Finally, if you make it to orbit, experience what it was like to dock with CSM (Command Service Module) either in 'auto' mode using radar, or manual mode. Again, "Screw the Pooch" by coming in with too much velocity and the CSM will spin uncontrollably making docking next to impossible. If that isn't enough, you will have to figure out how much of a RCS burn you give to stay in the same altitude while try to move closer to the CMS - easier said than done.
"LUNAR WARS" takes the docking VR experience to the next level by putting you an alternate reality where the Soviet Union did reach the moon after Apollo 12 and will do anything to ensure the Americans do not succeed again and Apollo 13 was no accident. Meaning with the launch of Apollo 14, in which you are its commander, docking with CSM became more problematic if you were to confront the Soviet's LK-4 ATAKA with its pneumatic tubed launched kinetic rods. Don't worry NASA did not leave you defenseless, but you will have to wait till you are briefed on your new counter weapon systems & "dark mode" rendezvous method once you are in orbit after leaving the lunar surface. The goal is to reach the CSM, dock and leave orbit before the Soviet LK-4 finds you, or thwart their attempt by using your own counter-measure weapon. There will also be multiplayer mode where you can either play as the American in the LM or the Soviet in the LK-4.
The entire series will be available 4.11.2020 on Steam, Vive Portal and Oculus for HTC Vive, Valve Index, Microsoft WMR, Oculus Rift or Rift S (with Oculus Quest support in 'linked' mode) or any other OpenVR compatible VR headset.
Finally look for the Kickstarter launch of the VRCCSC - 'Virtual Reality Command & Control Systems Console' that allows you to attach joysticks, switches, steering wheel or pedals via custom 3M VHB mounting discs/bolt attachments to a horizontal or vertical perforated surfaces to match their location in the VR space through a adjustable system to allow for a standing or sitting experience along with hooks and rods to prop up your laptop or monitor as well as hang your VR gear when not in use. "Apollo 11: 'One Small Step For...' VR Experiences" is included free. (Kickstarter launches in February, 2020)
Note: The "Apollo 11: 'One Small Step For...' VR Experiences" series is meant to be a "standing only" experience. However, you should be able to play it on a bar or drafter's stool.