Saturday 29 November 2025
For over a decade, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been using an innovative platform called ProtoSpace to help engineers and scientists design and visualize complex spacecraft systems in augmented reality. This technology has revolutionized the way they work, allowing them to identify and fix problems earlier on, reducing costs and risks.
The idea behind ProtoSpace is simple: by creating a virtual environment where designers can interact with their designs in 3D, they can better understand how different components fit together and communicate more effectively with each other. This has been particularly useful for designing spacecraft, which are complex systems that require precise coordination between many different parts.
One of the key benefits of ProtoSpace is its ability to reduce miscommunication between team members. When working on a large project like a spacecraft design, it’s easy for misunderstandings to arise about how different components fit together or what their functions are. By using ProtoSpace, designers can visualize these components in 3D and walk through the entire system virtually, reducing the chance of errors.
Another advantage is that ProtoSpace allows engineers to test and refine their designs before building a physical prototype. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the risk of encountering unexpected problems during assembly or testing.
ProtoSpace has been used on numerous NASA missions, including the Mars 2020 rover and the Europa Clipper mission. It has also been applied to other areas beyond space exploration, such as designing ventilators and providing training for astronauts.
The technology behind ProtoSpace is impressive. The platform uses a combination of augmented reality (AR) and computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a virtual environment where designers can interact with their designs. It’s designed to be user-friendly, allowing engineers without extensive AR or CAD experience to use it effectively.
One of the most promising aspects of ProtoSpace is its potential for wider application across industries. As companies increasingly adopt digital technologies like AR and AI, there will likely be a growing need for platforms that can integrate these tools seamlessly with traditional design methods.
While ProtoSpace is still a relatively new technology, its impact on the aerospace industry has already been significant. By streamlining the design process and reducing errors, it’s helping NASA achieve its ambitious goals while also opening up new possibilities for innovation and collaboration.
Cite this article: “Revolutionizing Spacecraft Design with ProtoSpace”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Spacecraft Design, Augmented Reality, Nasa, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Protospace, Computer-Aided Design, Cad, Space Exploration, Ventilators, Astronaut Training
