Project Orbit: 3D Solar System: NASA Space Apps Global Nominee
The Vision
Space exploration shouldn't be limited to textbooks. Project Orbit transforms astronomy education into an immersive, interactive experience where users can navigate through our solar system with scientific accuracy and gamified engagement.
What I Built
An AI-powered 3D orrery that combines real NASA datasets with cutting-edge web technologies. Users can explore planets, asteroids, and comets while chatting with an intelligent voicebot that makes space science accessible to everyone.
Key Features
- Scientific Accuracy: Keplerian orbital propagator using real NASA datasets
- AI Integration: Voice and text chatbot powered by Cohere for interactive learning
- Gamified Controls: Spaceship navigation with W/A/S/D keys and mouse controls
- Dynamic Scaling: Real-time toggles for sizes, distances, and orbital paths
- Immersive Experience: Zoom out to see your location within the Milky Way
Technical Implementation
Built with React and Three.js for stunning 3D rendering, enhanced with react-three-fiber for seamless React integration. The AI backend processes natural language queries while maintaining conversation context, making complex astronomical concepts approachable.
The Impact
Project Orbit bridges the gap between entertainment and education, transforming passive learning into active exploration. It demonstrates how modern web technologies can make complex scientific data both accessible and engaging.