4 Min Read GVIS History Three NASA employees sit in a large room filled with glowing television and computer screens. As part of NASA Glenn’s Scientific Computing and Visualization Team, the GVIS Lab has a storied visual and technological history.  Credits: NASA GVIS: the ICARE Era In 1982, a $20 million supercomputer was brought to NASA Glenn. Scientists at NASA Glenn were becoming increasingly reliant on computer simulations to test their experiments. Advancements in computer technology allowed a different type of testing environment — one that revolved around virtual models and data over physical observation. The benefits of this method included a decrease in costs, a decrease in associated risk, faster turnaround, and more data.

A large, blocky, black television with a black and white screen displays a grainy, white image.High Definition Video System (HDVS)A High Definition Video System (HDVS) in the early Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS). NASA A man sits on a chair looking at a large, black, blocky television screen in front of him which shows footage of a street. A small desk sits next to the television and holds a small, blocky computer.High Definition Video System (HDVS) in the LabNASA employee in early Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) setup, containing High Definition Video Systems (HDVS). NASA A small, windowless room contains a long, empty table with old-fashioned rolling chairs tucked underneath. Along the walls of the room, there is a large rectangular device with multiple screens and buttons, along with other equipment.Early Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS)Early Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) setup, which housed original analog processing hardware. NASA A large warm-colored rectangular device sits in a beige office room, surrounded by other cool-colored equipment and furniture. A woman stands behind the large device.Cray 1-S/2200 SupercomputerThe original Cray 1-S/2200 Supercomputer in the Research and Analysis Center in 1982.NASA But this method of experimentation created a problem: With data-point counts somewhere in the millions, it was a challenge for scientists to even begin to look at their own collected data. In short, there was simply too much data to be analyzed. To solve this problem, NASA Glenn built the Interactive Computer Aided Research Engineering system (ICARE) in the center’s Research Analysis Center.  

Taking up several rooms, consisting of 22 total workstations, and costing a grand total of $20 million, the ICARE system was a way for scientists to examine their data through the aid of supercomputer visualizations. Using both graphical and modular methods, ICARE’s visualizations revealed and shared information in ways that traditional methods could not match. 

The construction and implementation of the ICARE system was revolutionary to both the center and NASA as a whole. Before 1982, NASA already had an established interest in powerful computers; however, the ICARE system took NASA into the era of supercomputing. ICARE also brought increased attention to the value and power of scientific visualization. 

A large, rectangular technological device covered with large screens and tiny buttons sits in an empty room.Original Processing HardwareOriginal analog Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) processing hardware.NASA A large, windowless room with brown walls contains several desks lined up, each holding a small, blocky computer and a rolling chair. The room is lit with warm, florescent lights.ICARE RoomAn ICARE room in the Research and Analysis Center. NASA A virtual visualization shows two half circle, the first up higher than the second, joining in the center through a rectangular shape. The entire object contains lines that resemble netting. The text at the bottom reads "Static Pressure".1980s VisualizationA typical 1980s visualization at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.NASA The center of this graphic reads "GRAPH 3D" outlined in white with a green and red netting-like pattern behind the text. The background of this graphic is black.GRAPH3DGRAPH3D was an innovative technology in the 1980s that supported shaded surfaces and had a rich set of user-friendly commands.NASA The Creation of GVIS In 1989, it was time for an upgrade. NASA Glenn wanted the latest scientific visualization technology and techniques for its scientists, so the center expanded the Research Analysis Center to make room for the new Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS). The GVIS Lab acquired cutting-edge graphics technology, including studio-quality TV animation and recording equipment, stereographic displays, and image processing systems. Later, the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 provided funding and opportunities to add high-speed computing, virtual reality, and collaborative visualization to its fleet of tools.

A rectangular white device sits in the very back of a large, beige, mostly empty, windowless room. Some rolling chairs and brown tables sit near the device in the back of the room.The secure supercomputing space that would eventually become the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS), shown in 1989.NASA During this period, the GVIS Lab was responsible for assisting NASA Glenn scientists who needed help visualizing their data. The lab was also tasked with inventing new visualization techniques and promoting NASA Glenn’s activities though tours, videos, and other outreach programs. Some of the techniques the lab developed included particle tracking, iso-surface contours, and volume visualization. Tour guests included school children, corporate VIPs, local and national politicians, TV news media, and researchers from other national labs. Using state-of-the-art recording and editing hardware, the GVIS Lab regularly shared work both inside and outside of NASA.   

As other labs and researchers began to gain access to their own scientific visualization tools, the GVIS Lab shifted its focus to experimenting with virtual reality- and augmented reality-based visualizations.

A man with a beard and glasses dressed in a pollo shirt looks towards the camera smiling. He sits at a desk with a large, blocky computer, typing on its keyboard.Jay HorowitzJay Horowitz saw the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) through its creation and early years at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. NASA Two men face each other talking in a bright, windowless office room. Computer screens stacked on top of each other sit to the right and tall equipment sit to the left.Cray X-MP-2 SupercomputerThe Cray X-MP-2 Supercomputer that replaced the 1-S. NASA A large brown building sits in a field of grass with payment leading up to the building and trees behind.Early Research and Analysis CenterThe Research and Analysis Center pre-expansion. NASA The same large brown building sits in a grassy area with trees in the background. There are noticeably more paved walkways and parking, along with exterior improvements to the building like white detailing on the top and sides, as well as newer windows.Research and Analysis CenterThe Research and Analysis Center after the expansion. The Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) is in the upper left corner. NASA Lewis Advanced Cluster Environment (LACE)The Advanced Computational Concepts Lab’s (ACCL) Lewis Advanced Cluster Environment (LACE) in 1993. NASA Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory (MAEL) VR Flight SimulatorSetup showing location of the various equipment used in the Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory (MAEL) VR Flight Simulator.NASA Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory (MAEL) VR Flight SimulatorMAEL (Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory) trailer’s flight simulator supported multi-screen panoramic views or head-tracked Head Mounted Displays (HMDs). NASA WrightSimApollo 13 flight director Gene Kranz watches Jim Lovell pilot WrightSim. NASA A man in a suit and tie talks to a man standing next to him, who is also dressed nicely and listening intently, making eye contact with his hands crossed.100 Years of Flight Gala CelebrationJohn Glenn talks to a Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) programmer during the 2003 “100 Years of Flight Gala Celebration” event at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. NASA VR TreadmillThe concept of the VR treadmill was used to test if duplicating a visual-motor linkage was feasible for long-duration spaceflight. NASA This 3D model shows a large cone shaped object with a hole in the middle. The object is brightly colored with vibrant greens, blues, oranges, and reds.2000s VisualizationTurn-of-the-century Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) model. NASA This 3D model shows a large grey fan. Bright red and pink colors are on the outside of the fan. In between the grey blades are vibrant red, pink, yellow, orange, and green colors.2000s VisualizationTurn-of-the-century Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) model. NASA This 3D model shows the outline of a cube. Within the cube is a swirl like purple cylinder and confetti like lines of green, blue, red, and yellow. The entire background of the model is black.2000s Visualization Turn-of-the-century Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) model. NASA A small, dimly lit room contains tall rows of television screens stacked on top of one other. An archway hangs from above the small section of computers reading: (from left to right) "Aeroshark", "NASA", "Glenn Research Center".Aeroshark ClusterThe Advanced Computational Concepts Lab’s (ACCL) Aeroshark Cluster in 2001. NASA A table with VR glasses, a computer, and other equipment sits in the center of a darkly lit, cramped room. Various computer and television screens line the walls behind the table.Early 2000s Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS)The turn-of-the-century Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS), shown in 2004. NASA A man and a woman sit on rolling chairs at a table, typing on the large, blocky computers in front of them. Behind the table is a large section of computer stacked on top of one another, along with other various technology and equipment.Advanced Communications Environment (ACE) ClusterThe Advanced Computational Concepts Lab’s (ACCL) Advanced Communications Environment (ACE) Cluster in 2005. NASA A man and a woman wearing VR headsets view a vibrant visualization. The walls around them are screens and light up to display this VR experience.Early Computer Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)A Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team member demonstrating the old Computer Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). NASA A man with a VR headset on his head and controller in his hand looks at a visualization of a plane sitting in a concrete lot.Current Computer Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)A Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) intern in the Computer Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). NASA GVIS Now Today, the GVIS Lab has the same mission that it had in 1989: to apply the latest visualization and human interaction technologies to advance NASA’s missions. The team takes pride in pushing the limits of scientific visualization and computer science, helping fellow researchers make sense of their data, and inspiring the next generation through demonstrations and presentations. Computational technology has come a long way since the days of ICARE, but GVIS has continued to explore current and cutting-edge technologies. 

In addition to scientific visualization and experimental computational technologies, the GVIS Lab now also specializes in virtual design, interactive 3D simulations, natural user interface development, applications of computer science, and mission scenario visualizations. The team uses the latest edition of 3D programs and VR devices to experiment with how these systems can be used to visualize data, pushing their input and output capabilities. 

With all this technology, GVIS also supports the visualization of a wide variety of 3D data and models such as CAD, point clouds, and volume data. Additionally, the lab is capable of high-impact data visualization, web-based visualization, time-accurate data representation, and designing and testing CAD models in virtual reality.

A large group of NASA employees stand smiling in front of a skeleton of a dinosaur. One employee in the middle holds a sign reading: "NASA".The Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team attends a STEM outreach event at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.NASA Public Engagement Outside of the lab, GVIS has a longstanding history of taking its technology demonstrations across the city, throughout the country, and around the world. The team has extensive experience organizing, presenting, and facilitating STEM-based educational outreach for a variety of different events and venues. Inside the lab, GVIS supports the education and career exploration of its high school and college interns through mentorship, community engagement opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technology.

Two young boys wearing VR headsets reach out into the air in front of them, engaged in a VR experience.STEM Engagement EventVisitors interact with the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team while attending Score with STEM, an event organized by the Cleveland Cavaliers. NASA/GRC/Jef Janis A young boy wearing a VR headset looks down at his wrist, engaged in a VR experience. Behind him stands another man looking at the screen that the boy is interacting with.STEM Engagement EventA visitor interacts with a Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team member while attending Dino Days at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. NASA A young boy and a man look down at an activity on a table. A woman behind the table guides them through the activity.STEM Engagement EventA Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) Intern interacts with visitors at a STEM outreach event. NASA A large group of women and young girls gather in front of a large, white plane. They stand outside and all point up to the left, signaling towards the sky.STEM Engagement EventGraphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team members attend Women in Aviation Day organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI). NASA A group of children wearing VR headsets explore a virtual 3D environment, walking through a room with screens that display the visualization. A man stands behind them to guide them safely through the experience.GRUVE Lab ToursThe Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team provides tours of NASA labs and facilities. NASA A young girl wearing a VR headset holding a controller experiences a virtual environment. A woman standing next to her moves the controller, demonstrating how to use the device.GVIS Lab ToursA Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) team member demonstrates VR visualizations. NASA A group of four children wearing VR headsets reach out in front of them, engaging in a VR experience. The wall in front of them is a large screen displaying a visualization of an airplane.GRUVE Lab ToursVisitors interact with a visualization through the CAVE environment at the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS).   NASA Contact Us  Need to reach us? You can send an email directly to the GVIS Team (GRC-DL-GVIS@mail.nasa.gov) or to the team leader, Herb Schilling (hschilling@nasa.gov).

Share Details Last Updated Jul 23, 2025 Related TermsGlenn Research CenterNASA Centers & Facilities
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