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V-MARS Program - Vision & Scope

 

V-MARS (Virtual Mars Analog Research and Simulation) is an advanced research and development program led by Mars Planet Technologies, building upon a decade of innovation in virtual and physical simulation environments for space exploration and Earth-based applications.

Originally launched as a Mars Society Italy initiative, V-MARS has evolved into a multidisciplinary platform that develops cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) tools—integrated with custom-developed omnidirectional treadmills—to simulate space operations and enable the training, design, and validation of future human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

MarsVrSyS

Updated Mission & Applications

The updated mission of the V-MARS program is to provide a versatile digital infrastructure for:
– Simulating planetary habitats and operations in immersive, interactive environments.
– Supporting crew training, mission rehearsal, and EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) simulations.
– Enhancing space suit design and validation through realistic virtual use cases.
– Driving space health research and telemedicine by replicating isolated and remote medical conditions.
– Accelerating technology transfer into industries such as medical rehabilitation, defense, gaming, and industrial training.

By enabling interaction with complex space scenarios long before mission execution, V-MARS reduces risk and cost while improving design precision and human performance outcomes.

MarsVrSyS

MarsVR Ecosystem – Infrastructure Overview

The V-MARS digital ecosystem is powered by our MarsVR Simulation Stations, integrating:
– Immersive simulations with support for VR headsets (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, etc.)
– Full-body, hand, and gesture tracking for natural interaction
– Advanced locomotion systems, including our custom VR treadmills:
  • MOTIGRAVITY – simulating reduced-gravity walking
  • MOTIVITY – for general planetary locomotion
  • BABY-MOTIVITY – specialized for pediatric rehab and research

These components offer unmatched realism in both space analog simulations and real-world applications.

MarsVrSyS

Science and Technological Impact

The V-MARS program supports a rich Science Agenda including:

Research Area

Activity Summary

HABITAT DESIGN

Real-time review and feedback on habitat architecture and layout

STATION TESTING

Immersive testing of analog station functionalities and logistics

COMMUNICATIONS

Development and testing of advanced AV comms in analog scenarios

CREW HEALTH

Monitoring systems for health status in simulated missions

TELEMEDICINE

Simulated remote medical interventions and emergency protocols

ATV DESIGN

Co-creation of vehicle concepts for Martian and lunar terrain

EVA SIMULATIONS

Full-scene scenarios of crew exploration, logistics, and repairs

GRAVITY SIMULATION

Realistic motion in low-gravity via VR treadmill enhancements

SPACE SUIT R&D

Usability and ergonomics tests of suits within virtual scenarios

Toward the Future of Space and Earth Innovation

V-MARS continues to evolve as a bridge between space and Earth—advancing simulation science for deep space exploration while simultaneously generating value for healthcare, industry, and education.

It also functions as a powerful outreach and engagement platform, inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts.