Virtual Collaborative Training and Operations Simulation System

The goal of VCTOSS is to enable the creation and deployment of highly effective training and operations support materials by using new lightweight 3D simulation technology. This lightweight approach to 3D simulation makes it possible to: (1) electronically transmit materials to physically distributed mission participants, (2) run 3D simulations on COTS portable computers used on-orbit, and (3) economically apply the technology to broad application areas in procedures training. This approach is made possible by a rapid applications development system built specifically for the creation of network friendly 3D simulation. The Phase 1 project was intended to validate the concept of using lightweight 3D simulation for spaceflight applications. The Phase 2 project will greatly expand the applications of this approach by enabling collaborative use of the training materials. This will allow 3D simulation based training and operations support to be conducted collaboratively by geographically distributed participants using existing low bandwidth Internet connections. Thus, VCTOSS can have significant implications to (1) increase efficiency and effectiveness of preflight and flight-based training, (2) provide additional opportunity for real-time interactive support employing 3D models with expert collaboration, and (3) increase the ability to recovery from off-nominal situations, which may have significant performance and safety implications.