Space Probe at The Royal Observatory

Are you made of the right stuff to design a probe that can uncover the secrets of space? Then check out the new Space Probe exhibit at the Royal Observatory’s new Weller Astronomy Galleries.

The spectacular new multiplayer game challenges teams of three players to kit out a probe with the right instruments to explore the darkest reaches of space. Taking the role of engineer, scientist or communications officer, it’s your job to choose where to send the probe and what instruments to put on board without making it too heavy.

If your team chooses all the correct answers, you are rewarded with high resolution video of the probe launch and the secrets it uncovers. If you fail, your team will suffer the criticisms of the press and discover exactly how hard building a space probe really is.

Creating a system where there were so many possible outcomes was always going to be tricky. It’s actually a very challenging game.Luke Angell — HMC Interactive

Computer playback

HMC Interactive programmed the exhibit to be played by one, two or three players. If you don’t have enough players to make up a full team, the computer will step in to make up the numbers until another human steps in.

HMC Interactive worked closely with production agency Newangle to create Space Probe. Newangle provided the creative direction while HMC were tasked with writing the software to create a compelling multiplayer experience.

Design & production: Newangle Software programming: HMC Interactive