NASA is developing an Augmented Reality (AR) application for astronauts that will allow them to inspect and maintain equipment on the International Space Station (ISS) without the need for ground control assistance. This, the agency hopes, will reduce the impact of communication delays between the ISS crew and NASA mission control in Houston, Texas, USA. While the communication delay is mostly unnoticed, NASA says this project will increase astronauts’ autonomy in making quick, informed decisions. This project will primarily benefit the space agency in exploring the moon and eventually Mars.
Typically, astronauts receive instructions from ground control in a PDF file that can be viewed on a computer or tablet. But if you hold these devices in your hand while working on machines in a confined space, it limits productivity. In a blog post, NASA said the T2 Augmented Reality (T2AR) project is helping display instructions in astronauts’ glasses and directing their gaze with 3D cues that show them the actual places of work. It can also follow verbal instructions to navigate procedures. This makes the process of inspection and maintenance easier.
AR technology uses Microsoft’s HoloLens with specially designed AR software. In April, astronaut Soichi Noguchi was hired by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to maintain a training device using the new technology. Two more ISS astronauts later used it, and some more tests are planned.
“AR tools promise that we can bundle instructions and know-how in advance,” said Bryan Dansberry, Associate Scientist of the ISS at the Johnson Space Center. He said the space station is the “perfect platform” to test AR systems and refine these tools.
There has been renewed focus on exploring the moon as a stepping stone to reach space further from Earth. With the Artemis program, NASA wants to use new technologies for exploring the moon and prepare for manned missions to Mars. To get the most out of these missions, NASA has developed some new technology, including augmented reality, as communication delays across the moon are sure to be longer. Artemis wants to land at the south pole of the moon by 2024, where no one has been before.
This week, on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, we’re discussing Surface Pro 8, Go 3, Duo 2, and Laptop Studio – as Microsoft sets a vision for Windows 11 hardware. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and anywhere you get your podcasts.
