Have you ever wondered which video game was played by astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS)? It may seem like a trivial question, but it’s actually quite fascinating to think about. After all, space is an environment that is completely different from Earth, and technology has come a long way in recent years, making it possible for people to play games even in the most extreme conditions.
The Early Days of Video Games in Space
The idea of playing video games in space is not as new as you might think. In fact, there have been numerous experiments conducted over the years that have shown that games can be an effective way to help astronauts cope with the stresses and isolation of living in space.
One of the earliest examples of this was the use of video games to help astronauts deal with homesickness. In the early days of space exploration, long periods of time spent away from home could be incredibly challenging for astronauts. To help them cope with these feelings, NASA developed a game called “Solar Sailor” that allowed astronauts to explore the solar system and visit different planets.
Another example of early video games in space was the use of simple computer simulations to help astronauts learn about various aspects of their mission. These simulations could range from basic navigation tasks to more complex operations like docking a spacecraft or repairing equipment.
The First Real Video Game in Space?
While there have been numerous examples of games being used for training and relaxation purposes in space, there is still some debate over which game was truly the first to be played in space. One popular candidate is “Spacewar!”.
Developed by Steve Russell at MIT in 1962, Spacewar! is a classic two-player spaceship game that can be played on just about any computer with a keyboard and display screen. The game features two spaceships that try to destroy each other using lasers, and it quickly gained popularity among early computer enthusiasts.
Rumors have circulated for years that Spacewar! was actually played by astronauts on the ISS in 2001. However, these rumors were never confirmed, and many people believe that they are simply a myth.
The Real First Video Game in Space?
Despite the ongoing debate over which game was truly the first to be played in space, there is one game that most people agree was the first to be played on the ISS: “Asteroids.”
Developed by Atari in 1980, Asteroids is a classic arcade game that involves the player controlling a spaceship as it tries to destroy asteroids that are hurtling towards it. The game was incredibly popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, and it’s still played by people today.
In 2005, NASA confirmed that Asteroids had been played on the ISS by astronauts on board the Discovery spacecraft. The game was installed as part of a study to see how well video games could be used to help astronauts relax and unwind during long missions.
The Challenges of Playing Games in Space
While video games can be a great way for astronauts to have fun, they also present some unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of gravity, which makes it difficult for people to play games that involve physical movement.
