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Level 1 Screen
Inspiration
The NASA DART Mission- NASA is currently pursuing a mission to deflect an oncoming asteroid. "Then, there's the impact itself, with the spacecraft slamming itself into the space rock at a speed of nearly 13,500 mph (6 kilometers per second). If the mission launches as currently planned in June 2021, that collision will come in October 2022." Specifically, planetary defense is about largish asteroids that could theoretically collide with Earth, and what humans could do to protect ourselves. Slam into an asteroid hard enough while it's sufficiently far away from Earth, and you can bump it off course. -https://www.space.com/42853-dart-asteroid-impact-defense-mission-2022.html
US Space Force- An exciting new government agency was created recently for planetary protection. "The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is a new branch of the Armed Forces. It was established on December 20, 2019 with enactment of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and will be stood-up over the next 18 months. The USSF was established within the Department of the Air Force, meaning the Secretary of the Air Force has overall responsibility for the USSF, under the guidance and direction of the Secretary of Defense. Additionally, a four-star general known as the Chief of Space Operations (CSO) serves as the senior military member of the USSF."- https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Force/
AI & Human Collaboration- Artificial Intelligence is a possible emerging threat if humanity is unable to find a method to work efficiently and collaboratively with AI technologies. It is vital to the prosperity of civilization to devise efficient methods to integrate AI for the benefit of humanity.
What it does
This educational game utilizes technical skills, implementing AI and human integration to simulate defense against approaching astronomical threats to the planetary environment and humanity. The project includes multiple levels of complexity. In the first level (demonstrated in progress of development), the player is provided with a tool/satellite that can be utilized as a projectile towards the oncoming threat/asteroid that is threatening destruction of the Earth. If the correct trajectory is implemented, the satellite will collide with the asteroid and deflect it from its path. As the levels progress, the difficulty will increase, with the asteroid becoming more unpredictable with its path and kinematics; this is where AI is implemented to assist the player with predictive calculations to determine the optimal deflection techniques. This helps the player acquire technical skills that include: computer skills, troubleshooting, system knowledge, analytical skills, testing, problem solving, critical thinking skills, communication, logical reasoning, arithmetic, physics, waypoint and navigation, planning, analysis, conceptual abilities, science and engineering, and AI interaction.
How I built it
The problem of planetary defense was identified as a relevant issue facing humanity. A solution was conceptualized to simulate the resolution of this issue. I utilized the Unity game development engine to create the interactive simulation. Programming scripts with C# were implemented for enhanced functionality. Additional AI cloud applications will be implemented in future levels.
Challenges I ran into
I am a beginner programmer that knows very little coding, so this project took me over 24 hours of no sleep and over 12 hours of non-stop coding to complete, while it may have taken a more experienced programmer a few minutes. In addition, my teammates are also beginner programmers, so they also faced these challenges.
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
I am so excited that we were able to successfully create a product that we had envisioned. During the process of creation, there were moments of doubt and worry that were overcome, and this was an amazing learning experience for my entire team. I am inspired to continue learning.
What I learned
During this project, we learned how important teamwork and collaboration are for a successful project. We also learned to persevere through moments of doubt and uncertainty, because although it may have taken hours to solve one issue with a script, that it will eventually be accomplished. With future dedication to learning programming, there will be less struggle to maintain efficient time management.
What's next for Destructo Shot
We are so excited to continue our learning experiences, and hope to continue to advance our skills and levels on the project.
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