The Avatar Program was the pride and joy of the RDA’s Science Division. Initially developed as a method to create mine workers who would not need the protective equipment required for humans to exist on the surface of Pandora, the cost was eventually deemed too extensive for the required workforce. The program was then transferred to the Science Division as a way of improving communication with the indigenous Na’vi population and conducting field research.

Avatars are a genetic chimera of Na’vi and human DNA, with the human “pilots” able to connect to and control their avatar via a psionic link and their own DNA profile. Avatars look nearly identical to the native Na’vi, with several subtle differences like their smaller eyes, facial hair and the five digits on their hands and feet, as opposed to the Na’vi’s four.

By 2154, the Avatar Program was on its last leg- with funding largely diverted to the RDA’s Unobtanium mining operations. Relations with the indigenous Na’vi were degrading, and Avatar Program head Dr. Grace Augustine was doing everything she could to continue the program’s research. In a twist of fate, the program would recruit former Marine Jake Sully as a replacement for his twin brother, Tommy, who was murdered prior to his departure from Earth. Jake would go on to prove a vital link in restoring relations with the Na’vi, ultimately rallying them to depose the RDA and chase them from Pandora.

After the departure of the RDA from Pandora, Dr. Norman Spellman would eventually be appointed to head the remaining Avatar Program, continuing their research and assisting with combat operations from High Camp. Dr. Spellman is also indispensable to Jake’s efforts to maintain diplomacy between the human remnant and the Na’vi.