Nico

AstroHUD

Hero
Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

The AstroHUD is a prototype AR display for astronauts.

The next generation spacesuit has the potential to reimagine the astronaut workflow. By including a mixed reality heads-up display in the helmet, astronauts can leverage an integrated information network to enhance navigation, task completion, and communication. This display can also expose critical telemetry, and passively reduce the stress and mental load of working in space.

In this project, we research mission requirements, astronaut needs, and design guidelines to synthesize our interpretation of such a heads-up display. We present this synthesis in an annotated user interface and interaction spec, then prototype and validate the display using the HoloLens 2.
Interaction
Prototyping
Research
Figma
HoloLens 2
Unity
Joseph Annis
Teo Boley
Riha Khan

Gigamap

Informational poster with the AstroHUD interface overlayed on renders of an astronaut and sample lunar traverse.Closeup of astronaut.Closeup of science sampling requirements and sample interface views.Closeup of navigation requirements and sample interface views.Closeup of auxiliary feature requirements and sample interface views.Closeup of sampling site from lunar traverse render.

Interface Spec

Title slide of user interface spec packet.Full-format astronaut card overlayed on the helmet of an astronaut.Tool annotation on a telescoping hammer.Ping outline of a tool trunk visible through a rock formation.Video recording frame over an aerial view of a lunar roving vehicle.Three site micronavigation points set in a cavernous science sampling site.Wayfinding path, landmark annotations, and destination waypoints set over a flat plain with mountains on the horizon.Alert vignette and symbols as they appear in the central view, with the bottom biometrics panel visible for reference.Ten running astronauts outlined and annotated with minimized astronaut cards.Fully annotated scene of lava tube opening, astronaut, and tools. Features destination waypoint and geographical annotation on lava tube, minimized astronaut card and outline on astronaut, ping waypoint on camera, and comms panel.Fully annotated scene of science sampling site with one astronaut. Features tool demonstration animation, minimized astronaut card and outline on astronaut, ping waypoint on tool trunk, and comms panel.Highlighted central field of view, contextualized with top map and bottom biometrics panel partially visible outside of highlighted area.