In an effort to attract new and younger talent to its ranks, NASA has come up with a new strategy: Using video games to give people a chance to get a glimpse of outer space.

NASA believes that there are many teenagers who have the talent for a successful career but probably have never been in contact with the work that is actually done there. That is why they are joining forces with three different developers: Virtual Heroes (America’s Army), Project Whitecard and Wisdom Tools.

Using NASA’s knowledge and technical expertise the developers are working on a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) that will allow players to engage in space exploration in a more realistic fashion. Astronaut: Mars, Moon and Beyond will allow players to visit Mars and see Spirit and Opportunity going about their business or see the Moon and look at the footsteps of astronauts (and all the gear they left there).

Disappointing news for fans of the DS owners who happen to be fans of first-person shooters (FPS) – Moon hasn’t been cleared for launch. Originally, Mastiff and Renegade Kid’s new and slightly dark FPS shooter set on the moon was supposed to be shipped to stores November 18, 2008. Apparently, some unknown forces have forced the companies to revise their plans. So now, expect to see the game on January 13, 2009.

Moon is set in 2058 on the moon. While some astronauts are preparing a new lunar station called Alpha Base, a “hatch” is discovered. The player must explore the hatch and discover what is lurking within. Could it be, aliens? We’ll know January 13…