VR Space Station Climber

A short experimental VR project built in Unity to test climbing mechanics in a zero-gravity environment.
The prototype used authentic NASA 3D assets to create a space station environment, then explored different VR frameworks for implementing traversal.

Overview

The goal was simple: test how climbing in VR feels when gravity isn’t part of the equation.
To do this, I implemented the system twice, once with Meta SDK + Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit, and again using UltimateXR, a preconfigured VR framework designed for rapid iteration.

Technical Implementation

• Built in Unity (C#) with VR support
• Imported free NASA 3D assets for the station environment
• Two climbing implementations:
  • Meta SDK + XR Toolkit for direct control and flexibility
  • UltimateXR for comparison and faster setup
• Physics-based climbing system simulating weightless traversal

Why It Matters

This project wasn’t about creating a polished product, it was about experimentation.
In just a week, I was able to test how different frameworks affect workflow, how climbing feels in VR, and where Unity’s toolkits excel or fall short for rapid prototyping.

Future Potential

• Expanded traversal systems including push-off movement and tethering
• Multiplayer support for collaborative exploration in zero-gravity
• Use of higher-fidelity station assets and realistic physics
• Potential applications for training simulations as well as entertainment

---

The VR Space Station Climber shows how fast experimentation in Unity VR can uncover insights about mechanics, frameworks, and player experience, even in a week-long prototype.