VTT develops tool to support astronauts in repair tasks

The European Space Agency (ESA) has been testing a tool developed by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland as part of its training and operations system. The tool, using augmented reality, has been developed to support astronauts in training and operations during a space flight.

In space, all astronauts perform maintenance and repair tasks. To support them, they have completed thorough training, and have access to detailed instructions on computer screen and, if necessary, to experts on ground, said a press release of VTT.

A permanent contact with ground would undoubtedly improve the crew performance, but communications is limited on exploration missions to Moon and Mars.

However, delving any deeper into operations in training could make the training period unreasonably long.

The use of augmented reality (AR) makes the tool unique.

"The tool we have developed reduces the risk of human error and significantly speeds up the work performance. It is also extremely well suited for both supervised and individual training of astronauts. The tool uses augmented reality in a new way that is of great help in demanding maintenance and installation tasks of critical importance with a view to security or financial costs in other sectors as well, such as mines, paper mills and nuclear power plants," said Principal Scientist Kaj Helin from VTT.