NEW YORK: NASA and Microsoft are again teaming up on the HoloLens. But this time, the goal is to bring the augmented reality headset into space.
NASA and Microsoft announced Project Sidekick Thursday, a new experiment that aims to bring Microsoft’s holographic visuals to astronauts on the International Space Station.
The ISS astronauts will use Sidekick in two different modes: Remote Expert Mode and Procedure Mode. Remote Expert Mode uses Skype, to help astronauts aboard the space station communicate with ground operators, NASA said. By using HoloLens, those on the ground will be able to see what astronauts are seeing and be better equipped to give guidance, particularly for more complicated tasks like experiments and repairs.
Procedure Mode, which is geared more toward standalone tasks, will create more of an augmented reality experience. While in Procedure Mode, astronauts will see a a holographic layer of information overlaid on top of the objects the crew is interacting with, much like the consumer version of the HoloLens.
“HoloLens and other virtual and mixed reality devices are cutting edge technologies that could help drive future exploration and provide new capabilities to the men and women conducting critical science on the International Space Station,” Sam Scimemi, director of the ISS program at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a statement. “This new technology could also empower future explorers requiring greater autonomy on the journey to Mars.”
Sidekick isn’t NASA and Microsoft’s first collaboration on the HoloLens. The two are also working on a project called OnSight, which will help NASA scientists see simulations of Mars, based on data collected by the Curiosity rover.
NASA and Microsoft engineers have already tested the HoloLens in low gravity environments on NASA’s Weightless Wonder C9 jet, which the organization uses to help train astronauts. NASA says it expects to bring the first devices to ISS astronauts by the end of this year.
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