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The intuitive interaction capabilities of augmented reality make it ideal for solving complex 3D problems that require complex spatial representations, which is key for astrodynamics and space mission planning. By implementing common and complex orbital mechanics algorithms in augmented reality, a hands-on method for designing orbit solutions and spacecraft missions is created. This effort explores the aforementioned implementation with the Microsoft Hololens 2 as well as its applications in industry and academia. Furthermore, a human-centered design process and study are utilized to ensure the tool is user-friendly while maintaining accuracy and applicability to higher-fidelity problems.

The field of astrodynamics currently relies on highly specialized tools for spacecraft trajectory design, resulting in intricate trajectories sometimes difficult to visualize on 2D screens. On the other hand, the intuitive interaction capabilities of augmented reality make it ideal for solving complex 3D problems that require complex spatial representations, which is key for astrodynamics and space mission planning. By implementing common and complex orbital mechanics algorithms in augmented reality, a hands-on method for designing orbit solutions and spacecraft missions is created. This effort explores the aforementioned implementation with the Microsoft Hololens 2 as well as its applications in both industry and academia. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Human Factors and Aerospace Engineering departments led to the creation of a user-friendly augmented reality system tailored for space mission planning. A user-centered design approach was explored, which involved assessing user requirements, analyzing existing processes, prototyping an AR interface, and engaging in iterative design. Moving forward, the team plans to refine and test the application's front-end design through heuristic evaluations, ongoing refinement, and testing of prototypes with potential users. This is all in hopes of ensuring that the tool is user-friendly, while maintaining accuracy and applicability to higher-fidelity problems.

Astronauts are beginning to use Augmented Reality to enhance their daily tasks through the use of mobile devices, headsets, and glasses. This study reports on a comparative analysis between the XREAL Air AR Smart Glasses, the Meta Quest 3, and a smart tablet, for a variety of tasks involving video streaming and viewing of complex schematics. While all three devices allow users to view a virtual screen along with their physical environment, it is not known how they compare in user preference, comfort, and readability. The study places considerable emphasis on conducting usability tests tailored to astronaut performance (i.e. observing spacewalks, viewing schematics, etc.) to discern how users interact with and perceive the XREAL glasses in contrast to the Meta Quest 3 and the smart tablet. Factors such as usability, comfort, navigation ease, and overall user experience will be pivotal in evaluating all devices. Furthermore, the project serves as a valuable avenue for offering insights into the comparative strengths and weaknesses of a consumer product such as the XREAL glasses against the Meta Quest 3 and a smart tablet, and can serve to act as a baseline for observing how eXtended Reality technologies can be applied to improve task performance within the space industry and other industries.