NASA brings HoloLens augmented reality glasses to the ISS

Microsoft's HoloLens augmented reality glasses will be part of the Sidekick project, which aims to facilitate the work that astronauts do on the International Space Station.

fish trap and Microsoft have signed an agreement to launch the Sidekick project, that would allow astronauts aboard the International Space Station (Iss) send and receive real-time images to scientists on Earth.

The Sidekick project revolves around augmented reality technology and, more specifically, to Microsoft's HoloLens solution that will provide virtual help to astronauts. “HoloLens and other virtual reality devices are cutting-edge technologies that could help boost space exploration and offer new capabilities to the men and women on the ISS.. In addition, could empower future explorers who require greater autonomy on the journey to Mars.", explains Sam Scimemi, NASA ISS program director in Washington.

The goal of the Sidekick project is to provide assistance to station crews when and where they need it.. This new capability could reduce crew training requirements and increase the efficiency with which astronauts work in space..

“Sidekick is an excellent example of an application where HoloLens can develop its full potential for astronauts and give us a new perspective on what is possible with holographic technology.", comments Kipman, technical fellow, Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft.

NASA and Microsoft engineers are testing Microsoft's HoloLens aboard the C9 Weightless Wonder jet to make sure they work as expected in free fall before taking them to the Space Station's microgravity environment..

Sidekick has two operating modes. The first is the 'Remote Expert Mode', which uses Skype so that an operator on Earth can see in real time the same as a member of the space crew, as well as what you are doing.

The second option is 'Procedure Mode', that augments separate procedures with animated holographic illustrations that appear at the top of objects that your computer is interacting with. This capability could decrease crew training time and be a valuable resource for missions to other locations far out of the solar system., where communication delays complicate operations.

When the devices reach the space station, crew members will test and verify the software and hardware functionality in a standalone mode. A second set of devices, to be delivered in a future mission, test Sidekick functionality in a network connectivity environment to test Remote Expert Mode. NASA hopes ISS astronauts will be able to use it by the end of the year..

Sidekick Project

Sidekick will also be used and evaluated during NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations expedition. (NEEMO) 20 which will begin on 21 July, when a group of astronauts and engineers live at the first underwater research station, Aquarius, for two weeks.

The Sidekick project is part of a partnership formed by NASA and Microsoft to explore the applications of holographic computing in space exploration.. Earlier this year, NASA and Microsoft announced a collaboration to develop software called OnSight, a new technology that will allow scientists to work virtually on Mars using the same HoloLens technology.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA in Pasadena (California) led the development of Sidekick and OnSight. NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston led Sidekick's testing and certification for use aboard the space station.

 

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