NASA Releases Interactive Space Communications Mobile Game App

Oct. 4, 2012

Joshua Buck
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
jbuck@nasa.gov

Jessica Culler
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
650-604-4789
jessica.s.culler@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-352

NASA RELEASES INTERACTIVE SPACE COMMUNICATIONS MOBILE GAME APP

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- Just in time for World Space Week, NASA has
released a new mobile application that challenges gamers to take on
the role of a space communications network manager and puts them in
charge of building a communications network to support scientific
missions.

The educational application, "Space Communications and Navigation:
NetworKing," was developed at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett
Field, Calif., for the iPad and iPhone. NetworKing provides an
interactive, 3-D experience with an insider's perspective into how
mission controllers and scientists communicate with spacecraft and
satellites using the space, deep space and near Earth networks.

"This game introduces the complex world of space communications to
gamers," said Barbara Adde, policy and strategic communications
director for the Space Communications and Navigation Division at NASA
Headquarters in Washington. "It gives players the opportunity to
enjoy a challenging game while absorbing the basic concepts of space
communications. The game provides an engaging way to increase
interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics and opens minds to potential careers in these fields."

NetworKing allows players to build increasingly large and complex
communication networks to support client satellites conducting
scientific missions. Players who upgrade their communication networks
can acquire more complex clients, such as the International Space
Station and NASA's Hubble and Kepler space telescopes.

By providing insight into the complex world of communications between
astronauts, mission controllers, scientists and satellites in real
mission scenarios, the game is not only challenging, but also
entertaining.

In addition to the mobile application, NetworKing also is available
free on the NASA 3-D Resources website. Players can access the game
on their web browsers or it can be downloaded and run on PC or
Macintosh operating systems.

For links to download the app, download the game or play in a web
browser, visit:

http://go.nasa.gov/OFkcot


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