Space Station astronauts will use augmented reality to repair devices. Using augmented reality (AR) technology, NASA strives to provide astronauts with the ability to inspect and maintain equipment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) without involving ground control. As a result, NASA mission control in Houston, Texas, United States will be able to receive information faster from crew members aboard the International Space Station. The project will increase astronauts’ independence. NASA says that communication delays are often inadvertent, but that it will also help them make quick and informed decisions. NASA intends to use the project mainly to explore the Moon and Mars.
The instructions astronauts receive from ground control are typically stored in PDF files that can be viewed on a computer or tablet. Although these tools are available to the technician while working on a machine in a confined space, they limit productivity. For example, in the T2 Augmented Reality program (T2AR), NASA said it makes it possible for astronauts to see actual working locations using 3D landmarks displayed by their glasses. In addition, astronauts can receive verbal instructions about procedure implementation. In this way, inspections and maintenance can be easier.
The AR technology is built using Microsoft HoloLens technology and custom programming. Astronaut Soichi Noguchi has been assigned to handle the maintenance of a piece of exercise equipment this spring as part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
You can read more about how NASA plans to use AR and VR technology on the ISS on the official NASA blog. As space exploration represents a major leap for humanity, these new technologies can only make the transition easier. As it stands, we must live watching the brave men and women work on the International Space Station.
This story is attributed to Omar Abdulla, Content Developer at TECHx Omar Abdulla is a university student with a passion for business, artificial intelligence, and technology. He is also knowledgeable about digital marketing, content creation, financial management, and coding. Omar is a team player, an active thinker, and an open-minded guy who approaches work with a problem-solving attitude. He possesses technical skills in programming and design.
