The United States Space Force, which is the space service department of the U.S. Armed Forces, is currently training the next generation of mission operators using virtual reality simulations.

The Washington Post, in an article, mentioned that operators-in-training could communicate with virtual duplicates of military satellites using the Oculus Quest VR headset, thereby eliminating the need for conventional training simulators. It is developed by SAIC, and the platform simulates national security risks created to prepare operators for any future eventuality like satellite failures and missile response warnings.

The Washington Post also noted that members of Space Force, also known as Guardians, can choose from various predesigned characters before immersing themselves in virtual reality simulations of the International Space Station and Mission Control.

“Sometimes you go to these demos, and it’s just some nondescript room, but it doesn’t really look like your (real world) environment. We wanted the experience (to feel) like you were actually there.” – John Lynch, Program Director, SAIC. John also manages SAIC’s contract with Space and Missile Systems Center.

In addition to virtual reality satellite repair training, SAIC has also displayed an interest in adding a virtual magnifying glass for more thorough reviews as well as potential AR content.

The U.S. Army has awarded $830M contracts to SAIC last February, and it looks like they are going all-out for AR and VR technology.

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