NASA astronauts in the International Space Station (ISS) will be geared up with Microsoft’s virtual reality solution HoloLens.
Named Project Sidekick, the venture will include two devices in SpaceX’s aircraft that will fly to the ISS on Sunday.
The usage of the units could speed up training processes, with astronauts being sent to space and receiving real-time instructions, according to NASA.
The company said one of the features the glasses will boost, is a Skype app to live broadcast what the astronauts see to earth.
On the ground, NASA teams will be able to work out solutions for any eventualities in the ISS and assist any of the crewmembers.
The Sidekick project is part of a larger partnership formed by NASA and Microsoft to explore applications of holographic computing in space exploration.
Sam Scimemi, director of the ISS program at NASA said: "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.
"This new technology could also empower future explorers requiring greater autonomy on the journey to Mars."
Alex Kipman, technical fellow, Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft, said: "Microsoft HoloLens is about transforming the ways you create, connect, and explore.
"Sidekick is a prime example of an application for which we envisioned HoloLens being used – unlocking new potential for astronauts and giving us all a new perspective on what is possible with holographic computing."
Project Sidekick is an arm of Microsoft’s strategic partnership with NASA. The space agency said in January that it will also use the augmented reality glasses in its Mars Rover program.
