Take off! Take a space adventure using DOST’s virtual reality simulation app: Manila Newsletter

Take a space adventure for free using the ASTI Virtual Reality Simulation (VRS) application.

With the aim of bringing the space closer to the Filipino people, the Department of Science and Technology-Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI) launched on Wednesday, August 25 the ASTI VRS application, a free and easy application to use with a complete equipment -generation of simulations of the three terrestrial reception stations (GRS) of the country and of the satellites made in the Philippines.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the ASTI VRS app is DOST-ASTI’s new initiative to promote space technology in the country.

“Born from the collective effort of our researchers and developers, the ASTI VRS application is our creative attempt to bring space closer to the Filipino people. It includes an interactive tour where you can explore the country’s three ground reception stations, as well as our own satellites made in the Philippines, all in one free, easy-to-use mobile app, ”he said in his message during the launch. of the ASTI VRS app on Wednesday.

The ASTI VRS app, an amalgam of space assets and infrastructure under DOST-ASTI, is now available in the Google Play Store for free. The app allows you to explore ASTI-GRS in Metro Manila, Davao GRS in Davao City and Iloilo GRS in Iloilo and the range of satellites available through the Earth Data Resource and Observation Center of Philippines (PEDRO). The three GRSs host earth observation satellite transceiver antennas that transmit and receive data to the satellites.

Users can download the app on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.DOSTASTI.ASTIVRS

“As the Philippines continues its journey into the new space age, the ASTI VRS app will help highlight the potential of space science technology, helping the public better understand the big picture, while remaining true to the agency’s mandate. to strengthen and modernize science and technology infrastructure, “de la Peña said.

“We hope that ASTI VRS, like previous developments highlighted by DOST, will raise public awareness and inspire everyone, especially young people, to take an interest in and appreciate research in space sciences,” he added.

The ASTI VRS application also includes a satellite showcase where users can learn about the Diwata and Maya satellites made in the Philippines, as well as the different commercial satellites to which the PEDRO Center is subscribed.

Established in 2016, the PEDRO Center serves as the center of the country’s ground reception stations and, as a result, manages the reception, processing and distribution of satellite images and other data transmitted by the space to the public. . It also hosted the best space infrastructure in the country, attracting experts and novices for a tour of the facilities.

“Despite the challenges and obstacles we face during the COVID-19 pandemic, our enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge, especially for young people, should be fierce and ambitious. The ASTI VRS application aims to raise public awareness of this existing space technology and infrastructure through the most democratizing digital space, giving everyone the opportunity to take a step closer to space. said the DOST-ASTI.

He noted that before the pandemic, the PEDRO center welcomed the public to visit the facilities.

“Now with the pandemic, these visits to the facilities have stopped. The creation of the ASTI VRS application aims to continue and bring the GRS experience to the public. “

The Institute said the ASTI VRS application was made using Unity, a game development platform from Unity Technologies, and that its 3D models were made using Sketchup and open source software for 3D modeling, Blender .