Using ISS Earth Observation in Augmented and Virtual Reality to Reach the Next Generation of the Stem Workforce

Careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), although attractive in theory, are not popular with young pupils; this leads to a severe STEM manpower shortage in Germany that will increase over time. In order to motivate pupils to consider a STEM career, both hard and soft skills play an important role. The project KEPLER ISS combines the inherent fascination of manned spaceflight with the scientific methods and practical applications of remote sensing in order to motivate pupils to engage in manifold STEM fields that are necessary for or benefit from remote sensing and space flight. The focus of this paper is on new technology like Augmented and Virtual Reality, combined with Earth Observation sensor data from the ISS, including past, present and future sensor systems. The corresponding teaching material has been evaluated online and by our partner school. All materials are published on the project’s official website columbuseye.rub.de/.