AppsFromResearch
NASA's First Woman icon

NASA's First Woman

NASA
Evidence Tier:DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:General Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth
Free
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App Summary

NASA's First Woman is an educational app that uses augmented reality to bring its companion graphic novel to life, allowing users to explore scenes and 3D models of NASA technologies. The associated publications describe how the app integrates this extended reality (XR) content with a fictional narrative to explain the real-world science behind the Artemis program. By creating an immersive learning experience, the authors aim to inspire future generations of explorers and make complex space exploration technologies more accessible.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this application functions as an extended reality (XR) companion to the 'First Woman' graphic novel series. The system leverages a mobile device's camera to scan embedded QR codes and panels within the publication. This process activates interactive content, including life-size augmented reality (AR) environments, explorable 3D models of space technologies, and informational videos. Sessions are structured around narrative progression, featuring four distinct modules and interactive challenges.

Evidence & Research Context

  • Associated publications describe the app as an educational tool designed to inspire interest in space exploration and STEM fields among the "Artemis Generation."
  • The system delivers pedagogical content on real-world NASA technologies, including the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System, and concepts for sustained lunar presence.
  • Its design integrates a fictional narrative with extended reality (XR) elements to bridge storytelling with scientific and engineering principles.
  • The app and graphic novel were developed by NASA to communicate the scientific goals and technological foundations of the Artemis program to the public.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is intended as a public outreach and educational tool for students and the general public. Its primary utility is to deliver conceptual information about space exploration and associated technologies in an engaging format. The system is not a professional training simulation and does not provide exhaustive technical data. XR functionality is contingent upon device compatibility.

Studies & Publications

2 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

First Woman: NASA's Promise for Humanity Issue No. 2 Expanding our universe

National Aeronautics et al. (2023)

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app
Designed to inspire the "Artemis Generation," the graphic novel highlights critical technologies for sustained lunar presence, such as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and dust mitigation. The publication is notable for its integration of extended reality (XR) elements; readers can scan panels with the First Woman app to access 3D models, augmented reality experiences, and educational videos that explain the real-world science behind the Artemis program. The issue concludes with a forward-looking vision of humanity's next giant leap, foreshadowing future missions to Mars.
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Non-Evaluative Reference

First Woman: NASA's Promise for Humanity, Issue No. 1 Dream to Reality

National Aeronautics et al. (2021)

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app
First Woman, Issue 1: Dream to Reality is the debut installment of a digital interactive graphic novel series published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The narrative follows the fictional journey of Commander Callie Rodriguez, who breaks barriers to become the first woman and person of color to explore the Moon. Through a non-linear storytelling approach, the issue chronicles Callie's life from her childhood dreams and struggles against adversity to her selection as an astronaut candidate and eventual lunar mission alongside her robot companion, RT. Designed to inspire the "Artemis Generation" of future explorers, the 40-page publication highlights real-world NASA technologies essential for sustained lunar presence, such as the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System. Interactive App: The graphic novel is designed to be an immersive experience integrated with the First Woman app (available on iOS and Android). By scanning QR codes embedded throughout the book's pages using the app, readers can unlock extended reality (XR) content, including augmented reality (AR) scenes, 3D models of lunar environments, and educational videos, thereby bridging the gap between fictional storytelling and actual space exploration technology.
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In the Media

NASA's New Graphic Novel, First Woman Issue 2, Available Now

NASA developed the First Woman app to inspire the next generation of explorers through a graphic novel series featuring fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez as the first woman to walk on the Moon. The app now includes a new Spanish-language option and follows Callie and her diverse crew as they "work together to explore the unknown, make scientific discoveries, and accomplish their mission objectives." NASA uses this series to inspire the Artemis Generation as the agency works to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under the real Artemis program.

NasaRead article

NASA's New Graphic Novel, First Woman Issue 2, Available Now

NASA launched its "First Woman" app to inspire the next generation of explorers through a graphic novel series featuring fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez as the first woman to walk on the Moon. The app now includes the second issue "First Woman: Expanding Our Universe," which is available digitally in both English and Spanish and features a diverse crew conducting experiments on the lunar surface. NASA designed this series to inspire the Artemis Generation as the agency works to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under the real Artemis program.

NasaRead article

NASA's 1st interactive graphic novel 'First Woman' tells of one girl's dream to walk on the moon

NASA released its first digital graphic novel "First Woman: NASA's Promise for Humanity" to inspire the next generation of explorers, featuring fictional astronaut Callie Rodriguez as the first woman and person of color to land on the lunar surface. "What's also unique about this, too, is that this is the first audio graphic novel NASA has ever put out," said Derek Wang, director of communications at NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, emphasizing accessibility features for visually impaired users. The interactive experience includes augmented reality elements activated through QR codes that allow readers to explore lunar outposts and NASA's Space Launch System.

Space.comRead article

First Woman: NASA's Trailblazing Graphic Novel Series

NASA developed the First Woman graphic novel series to inspire readers through the story of Callie Rodriguez, a fictional woman of color who becomes the first woman to walk on the Moon alongside her robot sidekick RT. The series was "prematurely ended" during the Trump administration while Issue #3 was in development, leaving fans uncertain if it will ever be completed. The graphic novel aimed to represent "every girl who looks to the sky and sees possibility" through Callie's journey from childhood dreams to lunar exploration.

FirstwomancomicRead article

NASA's AR graphic novel is meant to recruit a new wave of astronauts

NASA developed First Woman to recruit new astronauts for programs like Artemis, using an augmented reality graphic novel that tells the story of fictional Callie Rodriguez becoming the first woman to land on the Moon. The 40-page comic features a companion mobile app that lets users scan "XR" codes to tour the Orion spacecraft and Moon while playing games and earning badges. NASA openly treats First Woman as a recruiting drive to foster kids' interests in space and science.

EngadgetRead article

NASA Releases Interactive Graphic Novel "First Woman"

NASA developed "First Woman" as its first digital, interactive graphic novel to inspire the next generation of explorers through the fictional story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. "We crafted this graphic novel and digital ecosystem to share NASA's work in a different and exciting way," said Derek Wang, director of communications for the Space Technology Mission Directorate. The 40-page app features augmented reality elements that let readers explore life-sized environments and 3D objects, including NASA's Orion spacecraft and the lunar surface.

NasaRead article

NASA's First Woman

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