Immersive Virtual Reality Driving Simulation for Astronaut Training in Lunar Pressurized Rover Operations

Virtual Reality (VR) is a powerful tool for training, particularly for high-tech systems operating in high-risk environments. The Lunar Pressurized Rover (LPR) is a complex system designed for use in hazardous, poorly understood lunar settings. Because the LPR is expensive to operate and the physical properties of the Earth and Moon differ significantly, providing astronauts with sufficient operational experience prior to a mission is a significant challenge. To bridge this training gap effectively, VR can provide a risk-free, interactive environment where astronauts can experience the physical dynamics of lunar terrain. This paper presents a VR-based interactive simulation of an LPR developed in the Unity game engine. The simulation incorporates a realistic vehicle dynamics model and a simulated lunar environment to evaluate vehicle behavior under human-in-the-loop control. Rather than a fully validated training tool, this framework serves as an early implementation prototype to assess system usability, perceived realism, and technical feasibility.