NASA calls it a “learning technology”. To inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, the space agency has gotten into the videogame business. “Moonbase Alpha” will be the first in a series of games developed for NASA. “Astronaut: Mars, Moon and Beyond” is the overall project which will introduce children to a ‘realistic’ version of what space travel is all about. No laser battles with aliens here.

The plot for “Moonbase Alpha” has a six-player team representing an international group living and working on the Moon’s first human settlement. But tragedy occurs when a meteorite shower causes damage to critical systems. Especially to their oxygen generators.

In NASA’s “Moonbase Alpha”, players must work together in this virtual world to repair the damage to the lunar colony’s life support systems. The game itself is developed by Virtual Heroes, a video-computer game company which markets and sells “America’s Army”.

“Moonbase Alpha” will be the first of a series of online games NASA refers to as part of their STEM project, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Under the NASA education office, this new game and future releases, are meant to inspire children to study and learn more. The game is free and can be downloaded at Steam.