''Moonbase Alpha'' is a
video game
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This fee ...
that provides a realistic simulation of life on a natural satellite, based on potential
Moon base programs. It was made by the Army Game Studio, developers of ''
America's Army'', and
Virtual Heroes, Inc. in conjunction with
NASA Learning Technologies. The game was released on July 6, 2010, as a free download on
Steam
Steam is a substance containing water in the gas phase, and sometimes also an aerosol of liquid water droplets, or air. This may occur due to evaporation or due to boiling, where heat is applied until water reaches the enthalpy of vaporization ...
.
At the
in 2010, the game won the top honors in the government category of the Serious Game Showcase & Challenge.
''Moonbase Alpha'' remains available on Steam, and a modified version has been playable at an exhibit at the
Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Florida since 2012.
Plot
''Moonbase Alpha'' is set in the year 2032 and focuses on simulating a day in the life of a lunar-based astronaut. As a meteor impact damages an outpost near the Moon's South Pole, the player must take control of a member of the outpost's research team and repair the outpost in order to save the 12 years of research accomplished there. These tasks include repairing vital components of the life support system, solar array and oxygen units, and can be accomplished with a wide variety of tools ranging from robotic repair units to the
lunar rover.
Development
''Moonbase Alpha'' was designed as a precursor to ''
Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond'', NASA's massively