The Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) at NASA Glenn Research Center creates a variety of immersive visualizations and simulations in support of NASA's missions, projects, and future innovations. These visual tools help scientists, engineers, and researchers develop new solutions that bring their projects to life.
Conceptual Visual Designs
GVIS creates conceptual visual designs for proposed NASA missions and missions currently in development or being researched. These designs are used to communicate desired project outcomes, demonstrate upcoming engineering developments, showcase projects under construction, and serve as accessible education tools for the general public. GVIS has created conceptual designs for a wide variety of NASA projects: from spacecraft, aircraft, power and propulsion, to missions support systems.
The above image is a cutaway of the inside of the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) design. The HyTEC project is developing small core turbofan engine technologies to enable fuel burn reduction and increased electrical power extraction from the engine. Visualizations such as HyTEC allow for a "look inside" engines, aircraft, and facilities that would typically be hidden from view. These kinds visualization brings NASA innovations to life in easy to understand formats and visuals.
Proposed Missions
The GVIS Lab creates visualization support for a variety of missions, from aeronautics to space exploration. Visualizations for missions in the proposal phase or in early development are critical for showcasing the desired outcome of the mission. These visualizations are also critical for technical engagement, as mission development can last months or years. It is useful to have a visual aid to explain the future endeavors of the Agency.
The GVIS Lab helps NASA visualize technology which will shape future. The SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) Electrofan is a concept for sustainable airtravel. It is an advanced hybrid electric concept aircraft, seeking to reduce emission levels by 50% within the next few decades. The GVIS Lab is proud to partner with the SUSAN team at NASA Glenn in creating conceptual visualizations to convey state-of-the-art designs.
The GVIS Lab is known for creating virtual and augmented reality designs. The upcoming Lunar Gateway project features the Power & Propulsion Element (PPE), seen here as a dark gray box with thrusters and solar panels attached. To see this visualization, users wear an augmented reality headset and can see Lunar Gateway in their environment. With augmented reality, users are able to experience the true life size and detail of Gateway like never before.
