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science11h ago
‘Unreal has Nanite — it’s a miracle’: Giant Magellan Telescope engineers explain why they used the gaming platform to build a massive simulation to protect the multi-billion-dollar space project
- GMT staff deploys an Unreal Engine-based simulator, BOB, to model the telescope and its maintenance workflows.
- BOB lets teams train and rehearse complex moves inside a centimeter-scale virtual GMT, including mirrors and the moving enclosure.
- Engineers highlight BOB's ability to simulate multi-ton mirrors moving with precision while teaching staff via remote collaboration.
- BOB supports safety and training by allowing practice operations before any on-site actions, reducing risk.
- The GMT project aims to detect Earth-like exoplanets with improved training and maintenance readiness.
- BOB integrates real star charts via Celestial Vault to align simulations with actual sky conditions.
- BOB enables multiplayer and cross-location collaboration for GMT planning.
- GMT's BOB is built in partnership with Epic Games and utilizes Unreal Engine for realism and scalability.
- The GMT project remains on track for a 2030s completion, pending continued development and funding.
- BOB is designed to prevent telescope damage during maintenance by planning precise sequences.
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