NASA MMO starts in 2010

For the educationally minded gamer, NASA is making an MMO. And early next year, we get a demo. Well, more specifically, a "mini demo game". From their site:

"The mini demo game Moon Base Alpha utilizes actual NASA Constellation program design details developed by NASA for mankind’s return to the Moon in 2020. Timelines in the much anticipated Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond MMO will be set even farther in the exciting future (2035+), but the ability to explore our own near-future moon missions is also planned for in the forthcoming game facilitated by the NASA Learning Technologies and Innovative Partnerships Programs."

I looked at the "first look" (which requires a Windows Media Player plugin), and the graphics seem serviceable. But overall, there is a dearth of polish to this game. Still, I thought America's Army was brilliant for what it was, and I think this title looks like NASA's version of America's Army. And being something of a space program fanboi, I can't help but geek out a little over this title. Let hope it's playable.