The program will run on the HTC VIVE Focus 3 VR headset.
VR medical simulation platform SimX today announced that its Virtual Advancement of Learning for Operational Readiness (VALOR) program has been selected by the United States Space Force to design an immersive training program for astronaut recovery and space launch missions.
The US government agency will commit an initial $1.7 million USD towards the integration of various space components and medical scenarios based on the Pre-Hospital Space Medicine Care Course (PHSMCC) into the SimX Virtual Reality Medical Simulation System (VRMSS). This includes ocean personnel recovery missions, such as the one depicted in the image below.
“The mission of the VALOR program is to adapt VR medical simulation training to enable high-quality, repeatable, and accessible clinical training for any scenario,” said Karthik V Sarma, PhD, VALOR Principal Investigator and SimX CTO in an official release. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to take the VRMSS to the next frontier by helping the DOD’s elite medical personnel protect the health of our astronauts and space launch personnel.”
The virtual training program is being developed in collaboration with and tested alongside the USAF 24th Special Operations Wing and 1st Air Force, Detachment 3, Human Space Flight Support Operations, and will run on the HTC VIVE Focus 3 wireless VR headset. According to SimX, the program will enable more frequent and effective training for Combat Rescue Officers, flight surgeons, and Pararescuemen.
“The mission impact of this project will be increased overall medical capability for global rescue forces responding to Human Space Flight contingency landings,” added Brent Maney of the Department of Defense Human Space Fight Support Office. “These capabilities are critical for ensuring the highest standard of care is provided by our PJs as they prepare for the continued expansion of Human Space Flight operations.”
Moving forward, the company will continue to expand the program with additional scenarios to accommodate the growing commercial space flight sector.
Feature Image Credit: SimX