🧪 Proposal: MoonSim – Open Platform to Simulate Moon Missions with Custom Rovers
Author:@moguel, @pmoncada
**Date:**August 6, 2025
Abstract
Let’s build a fun and accessible simulator where anyone can upload 3D models of lunar rovers (CAD files) and simulate their missions on real lunar terrain. Users can choose landing zones, run mission plans, and interact with community-created missions. Think Kerbal Space Program, but browser-based, physics-driven, and open to all.
MoonDAO will host this simulation to engage builders, artists, and engineers in designing and testing missions — before we ever leave Earth.
Problem
MoonDAO has no interactive tool for testing mission ideas, visualizing lunar scenarios, or engaging users with the complexity of real Moon missions.
Currently, lunar simulation tools are either:
- Proprietary and expensive
- Technically overwhelming
- Inaccessible to the community
We lack an open, creative sandbox where users can experiment, fail, and imagine lunar futures.
Solution
We propose building MoonSim — a browser-based simulation platform that lets users:
- Upload their own rover designs (.glb or .stl CAD files)
- Use pre-built sample rovers to test with
- Simulate movement, solar power, and terrain challenges
- Choose real lunar sites using open topography data (from LRO/SLDEM)
- Save and share mission plans, experiments, and visuals
The system will include:
- 3D engine and physics (Babylon.js or Unity WebGL)
- Simplified lunar environment rendering
- Sample rover pack (open-source designs)
- Option to fork and self-host the sim for hackathons or labs
Benefits
- Public engagement with MoonDAO’s lunar goals
- Tools for future payload or mission planning exercises
- Accessible for students, artists, builders, and actual space engineers
- Could evolve into a MoonDAO design review pipeline
- Potential future revenue via sponsored rover models, lunar NFT missions, or hosted hackathons
Risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Complex physics or poor simulation quality | Start with simplified physics for terrain navigation only |
| Lack of CAD upload engagement | Provide sample rovers and tutorials |
| Performance issues in browser | Optimize via WebGL engines, limit polygon count |
| Community interest low | Partner with design schools, hackathons, and rover dev groups |
Objectives
Objective #1: Build and deploy MVP of MoonSim platform by September 30, 2025
Key Results:
- Platform live at moondao.com/sim
- 3+ sample rovers available in gallery
- 50+ successful rover uploads from community
- 100+ simulated missions logged in database
- 85% positive feedback in DAO feedback survey
**Member(s) responsible for OKR:**All
Team (Table A)
Project Lead:@moguel
Initial Team:
- Role 1: “Developer” @moguel: Responsible for building the 3D sim engine, backend, and rover upload handler.
- Role 2: “Developer + Comms” @pmoncada: Responsible for UI/UX design, site flow, sample rover visuals, and launch content.
Multi-sig signers:
- @moguel: 0xAF6f2A7643A97b849bD9cf6d3f57e142c5BbB0DA
- @pmoncada: pmoncada.eth
**Multi-sig Address:**TBD
Timeline (Table B)
| Days after Proposal Passes | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Proposal Passes |
| 7 | Terrain map integration, 3D sim engine setup |
| 14 | Upload & gallery interface complete |
| 21 | Sample rover models live |
| 28 | Physics test for rover movement |
| 35 | MVP deployed on MoonDAO subdomain |
| 40 | Final report + unused fund return |
Project Deadline: End of Q3 2025
Transactions (Table C)
| Transaction Type | Amount | Token Type | Receiving Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send | 3 | ETH | Multi-sig Address (dev) |
| Send | 0.5 | ETH | Multi-sig Address (design & content) |
| Send | 0.5 | ETH | Multi-sig Address (hosting & backend infra) |
| Send | 0.5 | ETH | Multi-sig Address (community contest & outreach) |
| Send | 0.5 | ETH | Multi-sig Address (flex) |
Total Budget: 5ETH
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