HoloLens, for instance, should allow technicians and engineers on the ground to see what the astronauts are seeing to help them to coach the astronauts through specific tasks. The project that NASA and Microsoft are teaming up on has been dubbed Sidekick and is focused on helping astronauts who need to perform various tasks off-Earth.īy using HoloLens, which look much like a pair of wrap-around sunglasses and are expected to ship on July 29 along with Windows 10, the astronauts should be able to perform some on-station tasks with less training and be more efficient in the work they're doing. They're also built to understand voice commands and hand gestures.
The device is designed to allow users to see high-definition holograms with surround sound.
Microsoft unveiled HoloLens in January at a Windows 10 event where CEO Satya Nadella said the device will be the world's first holographic computing platform. "This new technology could also empower future explorers requiring greater autonomy on the journey to Mars."
"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, NASA's director of the space station program, said in a statement.