Microsoft, NASA Allow For 3D Shuttle View

C|Net reports that a 3D software version of the space shuttle Endeavor is in the works, thanks to a collaboration project between Microsoft and NASA. The Photosynth viewer will allow fans of the space program an unprecedented level of detail in examining the shuttle and its surrounds at the Kennedy Space Center. ""It's much like a 3D video game--people can explore, walk around or fly around the shuttle," said Adam Sheppard, group product manager for Microsoft Live Labs, which developed the viewer. NASA said that the project could lead to more initiatives with the software giant. Chris Kemp, director of strategic business development at NASA's Ames Research Center, said that, for example, NASA could use the Photosynth technology on future space missions for activities such as inspecting the International Space Station and viewing landing sites on the moon."

Re:Wow

[MoHaG]

I remember that this kind of thing used to be done with VRML [wikipedia.org]...

Re:Spelling!

[Remusti]

From NASA's web site: [nasa.gov]

Endeavour is named after the first ship commanded by 18th century British explorer James Cook. On its maiden voyage in 1768, Cook sailed into the South Pacific and around Tahiti to observe the passage of Venus between the Earth and the Sun. During another leg of the journey, Cook discovered New Zealand, surveyed Australia and navigated the Great Barrier Reef.

Saying he discovered New Zealand is a bit strange though, Abel Tasman did that.

Re:Spelling!

[someone1234]

Yeah, in this case it should be Endeavour, but not because it is the 'british spelling', but because NASA said so earlier. To that effect, they could have chosen the Klingon spelling as well.

Re:Interesting

[nivix]

CENDI Copyright Task Group FAQ [cendi.gov]:

Unlike works of the U.S. Government, works produced by contractors under government contracts are protected under U.S. Copyright Law. (See Schnapper v. Foley, 667 F.2d 102 (D.C. Cir. 1981), cert. denied, 455 U.S. 948 (1982).) The ownership of the copyright depends on the terms of the contract. Contract terms and conditions vary between civilian agencies or NASA and the military.

KSC....

[eggoeater]

I also highly encourage everyone to actually GO to Kennedy Space Center. The have a lot of exhibits including a Saturn V rocket that's on it's side, indoors. It's only an hour's drive from Orlando and is a great way to spend a day. Unfortunately the tour of KSC doesn't allow you into the Vehicle Assembly Building.

Re:Spelling!

[SpringRevolt]

The space shuttle Endeavour is named after HMB Endeavour, the ship (bark) used by Captain James Cook on his trip to
the Pacific encountering ("discovering would have been the contemporary term, I guess) Australia, New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef (amongst others).

(Actually, there have been several Endeavours in British Naval History).

Cook's Endeavour arrived home safely and (arguably) eventually sank off of Rhode Island.

Cook himself died at the hand of uppity native Hawaiian - they paid the price eventually, of course.

Anyway, Endeavour is indeed spelled with an u.