WAVE: From Space to Ocean (NASA PACE Capstone)
NASA PACE · University of Maryland IMD · University of North Texas
Problem
NASA's PACE mission produces complex oceanographic and atmospheric satellite data. The capstone challenge was to make that science approachable through a real-time, gesture-driven public exhibit.
Constraints
- Real-time gesture recognition from ZED stereo-camera input
- Reliable operation across changing exhibit lighting, spacing, and calibration
- Interactive rendering of scientific data for a public audience
- Setup and deployment that exhibit operators could repeat consistently
Approach
Designed a modular pipeline combining computer vision, real-time rendering, and gesture recognition. Built gesture interaction using ZED stereo cameras and OpenCV with CUDA acceleration for tracking and interpreting user movement. Developed a configurable ImGui-based setup wizard to automate deployment, calibration, and system validation, reducing friction for non-technical operators. Integrated the full pipeline into Unity to render interactive PACE satellite visualizations across multiple display environments.
Architecture
Metrics
| Metric | Baseline | Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership scope | UNT senior capstone | Lead Developer for a 5-person team |
| Public exhibition | Research-driven prototype | Kennedy Center premiere, March 2025 |
| Interaction stack | Stereo-camera input | OpenCV + CUDA gesture recognition in Unity |
Product Impact
Helped deliver an interactive installation that made NASA PACE satellite science tangible for a public audience. The WAVE exhibit premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in March 2025.
Tech Stack
Links
Exhibit code is owned by the university/NASA partnership; third-party press coverage above independently documents the project.