NASA is developing a new massively multiplayer online role playing game. Perhaps in an experiment to rekindle interest in Nasa and space exploration the organization has announced the MMO called Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond.

NASA has signed contracts with Information in Place, Project Whitecard, and Virtual Heroes to develop a space MMO that is fun and educational incorporating science, math, engineering, and more. The game will use Unreal Engine 3 and a playable demo should be out by the end of 2009.

Features of NASA MMORPG Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond – AMMB

1. Realistic Moon Base Operations

2. Missions on the International Space Station

3. Explore Space

4. Land on Planets from Space

5. Explore the Surface of Mars

6. Use Robotics and Vehicles

Professions in NASA MMORPG Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond – AMMB

1. Roboticist

2. Astrobiologist

3. Mechanical Engineer

4. Space Geology