It's no secret that the virtual world is slowly taking over the real life (I should say "unfortunately" here, right?). And since the folks from NASA probably know that way better than everybody else, they are considering now to create a MMO game to appeal to the next generation of game-addicted scientists and engineers.

BBC News reports that the agency has published a "request for information" from organizations interested in developing the platform, where people can read that "A high quality synthetic gaming environment is a vital element of NASA's educational cyberstructure". I already feel like I'm in a sci-fi movie, don't you? Anyway, this document calls for a game engine that includes powerful physics capabilities and accurate in-game experimentation and research, so this whole thing kind of loses its "game" status for me.

"A Nasa-based MMO could provide opportunities for students to investigate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career paths while participating in engaging game-play," the request says. "Virtual worlds with scientifically accurate simulations could permit learners to tinker with chemical reactions in living cells, practice operating and repairing expensive equipment, and experience microgravity."

If you think that the dudes at NASA have lost their minds, think again! The already have their own Second Life island where people interested in all this space thing can meet, talk, share ideas and conduct experiments. And maybe NASA deserves to be remembered as the reason Mars and trips to Mars have been implemented in Second Life. But until the red planet becomes a realistic target, your Second Life avatar that took part in experiments on NASA's virtual island (still following me?) could join the next people who will step onto the Moon again. And really, now, some things are just as crazy as they are cool. Or vice-versa.

So, if you're kind of a space geek, an extraterrestrial loving nerd or just a gamer who likes to try something new, NASA might have something for you in the near future. I'm just wondering... how much would such a game cost?