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.
