Operation Luna

"Operation Luna" aimed to transport a select group of individuals from the community into the futuristic realm of 2073, providing them with an immersive experience of being civilian astronauts.

The journey encompassed a liftoff from Earth, a spaceflight to the Moon, an encounter with the transformative Overview Effect, and a glimpse of a semi-constructed lunar site.

Beyond the astronaut simulation, the project aimed to provoke contemplation on the future of human civilization, fostering a deepened connection and appreciation for Earth.

  • Calvin Jude Stanley
    Director
  • Gbemileke Anthony
    Writer
  • Calvin Jude Stanley
    Producer
  • Calvin Jude Stanley
    Lead Artists
  • KunGin Tsai
    Lead Artists
  • Veronica Mangu
    Key Collaborators
  • Project Type:
    Student, Installation, 360 Video, Other
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi, Narrative, Immersive Experience, Experimental
  • Minimum Runtime:
    5 minutes
  • Maximum Runtime:
    8 minutes
  • Average Runtime:
    7 minutes
  • Variable Runtime Details:
    Runtime is determined by the number of people in the audience and the onboarding for this experience as it is personalized to the audience, giving them the sense that they are a part of the experience and not just witnessing it.
  • Completion Date:
    December 6, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arizona State University
Director Biography - Calvin Jude Stanley

Calvin Jude Stanley is an XR and Immersive Experience Designer who is shaping the future of Extended Reality (XR) technology. His expertise spans reality capture, photogrammetry, and virtual production, with a keen interest in the evolving intersection of XR Audio and immersive media. Calvin has contributed to innovative projects like the Mission Futures Project, showcased at the Arizona Science Center, and the Mesa Urban Planning Project, which reimagined inclusive urban planning, engaging city officials and the Mayor of Mesa in transformative experiences.

Calvin's design philosophy centers on creating impactful, purpose-driven work that fosters understanding among diverse global communities. Whether working solo or collaborating with others, he thrives on learning, coordination, and teamwork. Always at the forefront of technological advancements, he remains engaged with the latest developments through social media, industry conversations, and official forums. Calvin finds creative inspiration in coffee shops, workations with scenic views, and, most importantly, in giving back to the community with his skills.

Looking ahead, Calvin aims to create globally recognized projects and become a versatile generalist in the XR industry, while maintaining deep expertise in key focus areas.

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Director Statement

"Operation Luna" was born from a desire to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling and XR technology. By transporting participants to the year 2073 as civilian astronauts, I wanted to provide more than just a simulation of space travel; I wanted to evoke a sense of awe and reflection. Experiencing the Overview Effect—a profound shift in perspective astronauts feel when viewing Earth from space—became central to the project’s narrative, challenging participants to reconsider humanity’s relationship with our planet.

For me, this project is about bridging the extraordinary and the familiar, allowing people to glimpse a speculative future while deepening their connection to the world we inhabit today. At its heart, Operation Luna is about more than space; it’s about fostering appreciation for our shared human experience and the planet we all call home.