NASA is creating a new mixed reality International Space Station (ISS) simulator that will help train astronauts for their journey to the orbiting lab. Adding a mixed reality mock-up, alongside the physical facility, could allow astronauts-in-training a lot more time to hone their skills in a convincing simulation, the ‘Tech Crunch’ reported. The mixed reality system, developed in collaboration with Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to create shows instruments on board the ISS, including different exercise machines and tools that astronauts use for maintenance work there. The mixed reality ISS app sweeps astronauts-in-training off their feet with an “active response gravity offload system.”It works in conjunction with a robotic crane that makes the trainee feel like they would in micro gravity. Besides using the mixed reality system to train astronauts and engineers for life and work in orbit, NASA will use it to design new habitats.

Source: Indian Express March 27, 2017 11:22 UTC