NASA taking Microsoft’s virtual reality into space

NASA astronauts will subject Microsoft’s HoloLens to a different kind of road-test when they take the virtual reality holographic headset on a space mission to the International Space Station, Rt.com reported.

Astronauts aboard the ISS will test two of the HoloLens headsets. The device will illustrate actions and instructions over objects an astronaut is looking at – pointing out switches and dials, and reminding a user of any missed steps in a process.

“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,” said Sam Scimemi, director of the ISS program at NASA Headquarters in Washington, in a statement.

“This new technology could also empower future explorers requiring greater autonomy on the journey to Mars.”

The space mission, called Sidekick, is the latest step in NASA’s involvement with Microsoft over its HoloLens device, and the purpose is to test the rigor of its hardware and software in a tough but weightless environment.