Nasa has partnered with tech giant Microsoft to develop a new software, OnSight, to work virtually on Mars with the Curiosity rover.
The tool creates a 3D simulation of the Martian environment, which will allow scientists to examine the rocky surface on the red planet, as well as plan activities for rover’s science instruments using gestures to select menu commands.
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Using holographic computing, the system overlay visual information and rover data into the user field of view.
The Curiosity mission team has developed a wearable device called Microsoft HoloLens, which provides scientists with a view of Martian field site.
Nasa Mars Science Laboratory mission programme executive Dave Lavery said: "OnSight gives our rover scientists the ability to walk around and explore Mars right from their offices.
"It fundamentally changes our perception of Mars, and how we understand the Mars environment surrounding the rover."
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By GlobalDataDeveloped by Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), OnSight will allow researchers to understand the environment and workspace of robotic spacecraft, Nasa said.
Nasa JPL OnSight project manager Jeff Norris said: "We believe OnSight will enhance the ways in which we explore Mars and share that journey of exploration with the world.
"This tool gives them the ability to explore the rover’s surroundings much as an Earth geologist would do field work here on our planet."
Nasa plans to test OnSight in Curiosity mission operations this year, and could use it on Mars 2020 rover mission operations.
Image: OnSight uses real rover data to create a 3D simulation of the Martian environment. Photo: courtesy of Nasa / JPL-Caltech.
