Interactive Virtual Reality Model for Launch Vehicle Coordinate Systems

Many coordinate systems are involved in the design and construction of launch vehicles, including Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed (ECEF), Earth-Centered Inertial (ECI), North-East-Down (NED), and Body Axis. Comprehension of these coordinate systems is vital to the success of these launch vehicles. To improve understanding of these complex coordinate systems, this project developed a virtual reality (VR) model that provides an interactive learning environment. Using the Unity game engine and the Extended Reality Interaction Toolkit, the VR model allows the exploration of these coordinate systems and how they relate to each other in a three-dimensional space. The model was evaluated through a pre-test and post-test study which assessed the effectiveness of the VR model in improving comprehension and familiarity.