What exactly does it do?

Exoplanet Quest is an educational game that allows players to explore and analyze distant exoplanets using virtual reality (VR) and terminal-based interaction. The game generates detailed planetary data using an AI model, and players must assess this data to determine whether the planets qualify as exoplanets. The player interacts with the terminal to submit reports, making decisions based on scientific data and their own understanding of planetary criteria.

How does it work?

The game combines VR and terminal commands. Players access the game via an SSH terminal, entering data into a secure environment where they can interact with the game. Once in VR, they explore planets, gathering information on atmospheres, orbits, and surface conditions. The AI model generates specifications by compressing and decompressing planetary data, and though the AI knows if the planet is an exoplanet, the player must figure it out by analyzing the data. After gathering insights, players submit their reports through the terminal and receive feedback on their conclusions.

What benefits does it have?

Exoplanet Quest provides an engaging and interactive way to learn about exoplanets, space exploration, and data analysis. By integrating scientific concepts with immersive gameplay, the game encourages critical thinking, hands-on learning, and interest in STEM fields. It helps players develop skills in analyzing data and understanding planetary science while enjoying an educational gaming experience. The AI-driven component also allows the game to generate endless new planets, offering limitless opportunities for exploration and learning.

What do you hope to achieve?

We aim to create a platform that makes learning about planetary science and space exploration accessible, engaging, and interactive for young learners. By blending real-world data with AI and VR technology, we hope to spark curiosity in STEM fields and provide a unique educational experience that bridges the gap between space exploration, technology, and public engagement. Including:

Introducing exoplanets and space technology in an approachable way.
Makes complex NASA resources more accessible for all ages.
Designed to inspire children and teens to explore space science, making it engaging and accessible through immersive VR gameplay.
Hands-on Learning: Provides an interactive platform where players directly engage with space science concepts, deepening their understanding.
Terminal-Based Interaction: Introduces teens to coding and data science, making these technical skills accessible through a fun, engaging game.
Interactive AI Learning: Uses AI to simulate unique planetary data, allowing endless exploration and critical thinking.
Fostering Curiosity: Inspires young players to ask questions and seek answers about the universe, sparking a lifelong interest in space exploration.
Engaging Platform: The blend of VR and terminal interaction makes learning cool and relevant, especially for a tech-savvy generation.
Inspiring Future Innovators: Shows how space science, AI, and coding can come together in creative, innovative ways, encouraging players to explore these fields further.
Exploration Meets Education: Presents space exploration not as distant or abstract but as something teens can actively engage with, fostering excitement about the unknown.

What tools, coding languages, hardware, or software did you use to develop your project?

We utilized several tools and technologies in the development of Exoplanet Quest:

• Machine Learning Models: We trained Support Vector Classification (SVC) and Random Forest Classifier models to help generate data, using Python and relevant libraries like Scikit-learn. We applied Robust Scaler to handle outliers and enhance model accuracy.

• AI Data Generation: We used a Gaussian Copula Synthesizer to generate synthetic data for simulating planets, allowing for limitless planetary variations.

• Terminal-Based Interaction: Players connect to the game via an SSH terminal, created using SSH protocol and terminal management tools like Bubbletea for rendering a text-based user interface (TUI).

• Virtual Reality Environment: The VR component was built using three.js, providing an immersive experience for exploring planets in detail.

• Server Infrastructure: The game is hosted on a Linux-based server with real-time data processing to ensure seamless gameplay between the terminal and VR interfaces.

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