Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:17:50 EST

Idryonis Studios maintains a long partnership with the National AeroSpace Training and Research Center (NASTAR). NASTAR Center operates a state of the art facility that is used by the aerospace industry for training and research. Within the NASTAR Center is a modular centrifuge with a 25-foot planetary arm. Its modular design allows for different gondolas or cockpits to be built to exact specifications so that trainees can experience exact simulations of various aircraft, fighterjets, or spaceships. With a maximum G-level of 15 G and the ability to reach 10 G's in a second, this centrifuge is perfectly suited for space flight simulations.

When NASTAR Center was commissioned by Virgin Galactic to develop the training simulator for their highly anticipated SpaceShipTwo, NASTAR Center turned to Idryonis Studios for the content production. Idryonis Studios was entrusted with the 3D modeling, advanced shader effects, sound design, and audio tactile effects. Now that the production is complete and the dust has settled, we present a brief case study on the project.

3D Modeling & Shaders
After a series of confidentiality agreements, we received the concept shots and specs for the interior cockpit of the craft. Our 3D animators immediately began work on the model, made difficult by the complex shape of the windows and concave bulkhead. Every single gauge and meter had to be replicated and animations of the meters had to be linked to the physics being applied to the craft. After over 10 revisions, we finally got it perfect. In the mean time work on advanced shader effects were in progress to simulate sun glare, windshield condensation, rocket contrails and other special effects.

Sound Design & Tactile Effects
The sound design presented specific problems, and creating audio tactile effects was something we had never done before. Days of watching (read: listening to) Discover Channel shows and scouring YouTube for audio ideas yielded some help. But eventually our sound designers decided to simply tap into their creativity and have fun with the sound. The result is a dramatic and cinematic soundtrack that can stand up to any blockbuster movie. Coupled with the seat-mounted low frequency transducer (or "seat shaker"), the entire audio experience alone is enough to get your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing.

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Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo