We reworked existing engineering 3D models of the DREAMS telescope to be compatible and optimized for the Unity game engine. With the assistance of 3D modelling software (such as Fusion360 and Blender), we created a rendition of the building and landscape surrounding the telescope itself. We utilized satellite height-maps and Google Earth to recreate the terrain and nearby Siding Spring facility. The interior of the observatory and research lab the DREAMS telescope is located was constructed from on-site photographs.

With the use of the Unity 3D game engine, we implemented interaction with the scene, allowing users to control the telescope and view telescope images in the lab. Users can also open and close the roof, and adjust the time of day. Facts about the telescope and infographics are placed around the scene, in addition to tutorials to ensure the experience is accessible to anyone.

We were able to maintain an average of 50-60 frames per second for the Oculus Quest, which uses mobile processors running an Android-based operating system. The experience also has a standalone Windows PC desktop version, with support for keyboard or gamepad. The desktop version also dynamically detects any connected Oculus device, including Oculus Rift.

Our project will be valuable to educational institutions, engineers and researchers interested in astronomy. The VR experience will assist with outreach and PR for the telescope, given the portable nature of the Oculus Quest device.

The DREAMS telescope is the next in a series of telescopes being brought to Virtual Reality. A previous Techlauncher group worked on the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in 2020, and we will be using some of thier source code as a starting point.

GMT renders were created by another Techlauncher group in 2020. Our goal is to create a experience similar for the DREAMS telescope, using exisiting source code as a starting point.