Rumors have been confirmed: NASA astronauts will be guided through Microsoft’s HoloLens virtual reality. The collaboration between the two tech institutions is expected to bring many benefits to scientists in the outer space due to this rapid means of communication.
NASA is now developing many projects that could soon help integrate lay technology in outer space missions. The administration has noticed that many products that consumers use on a regular basis could have huge appliance in their missions.
For that matter, Microsoft’s HoloLens virtual reality headset will be used on the International Space Station by the end of the year. Scientists told the press that astronauts working on the ISS will gain more autonomy and will manage to solve potential problems faster.
The tech giant, Microsoft has confirmed the recent news that its virtual reality headset will set out to conquer the space after becoming a hit among terrestrial consumers. Based on their declaration, the product has two modes that have different uses and benefits.
The Remote Expert Mode relies on Skype as a means of communication between ground operators and astronauts on the ISS. Due to this rapid communication, scientists can send larger volumes of data on Earth, they can identify and solve potential problems on the spaceship much easier and faster.
The second mode called the Procedure Mode was designed to be used by astronomers whenever they investigate the area around the station. However, as opposed to the previous missions, this time experts can spend time outside the space ship without being guided by ground operators.
Microsoft explained that the second mode maintains many of the options and features that have been integrated on the customer version of the product. Thus, space researchers will constantly have a series of information displayed on their virtual reality headset while they interact with new objects outside the spacecraft.
NASA has tested both the HoloLens and the Sidekick project in their ground laboratories and they were able to conclude that the device works great under zero gravity conditions. They are now extremely delighted to use the gadget in space missions because they can, thus, reduce possible delays in communication.
No precise data has been provided in relation to the launching date of the HoloLens. The space administration has only declared that virtual reality will play a major role in space missions by the end of the year. Nevertheless, rumor has it that HoloLens will reach ISS on June 28.
Image source: vrfocus.com