Mixed-Reality Information Kit for Exploration (MIKE)
Abstract
MIKE, short for Mixed-reality Information Kit for Exploration, is a virtual reality interface designed to enable an astronaut to conduct a successful, scientifically relevant EVA on the lunar surface. MIKE is a new system, being built from the ground-up, using lessons learned from its predecessor, ALEXEI. ALEXEI, the Augmented Lunar Exploration and Extravehicular Interface, previously developed by the Embry-Riddle SUIT Lab, now ASTRA Lab, was iteratively developed since the fall of 2019, having been presented in the NASA SUITS 2020, 2021, and 2022 Challenges [1, 2], and was a testbed for many features that may be utilized by astronauts during the Artemis missions. However, as these missions approach closer and the industry’s attention expands to Mars, several fundamental assumptions that underlaid ALEXEI have changed. Where ALEXEI assumed EVA hardware integration was out of scope, MIKE will be used to research how augmented reality (AR) systems can be implemented and controlled within EVA scenarios. Furthermore, while ALEXEI focused entirely on innovating and validating individual software features to be interacted with by a lone astronaut, MIKE will expand on these features to integrate into a larger EVA system, including multiple astronauts, a Local Mission Control Center (LMCC), and rover assistants. The primary goal for MIKE’s development within the 2024 NASA SUITS Challenge will be to provide insights into AR control schemes during EVA, while integrating within an analog Martian exploration system that will include LMCC and rover partner systems, and will guide an astronaut through egress, Martian navigation, airlock interaction, equipment repairs, science sampling, and final ingress as outlined in the 2024 NASA SUITS Mission Description [3]. MIKE is designed to be displayed on the Magic Leap 2 headset and will provide mission critical information in an unobtrusive manner, avoiding information overload while ensuring detailed information is available in an ergonomic way.
Mixed-Reality Information Kit for Exploration (MIKE)
MIKE, short for Mixed-reality Information Kit for Exploration, is a virtual reality interface designed to enable an astronaut to conduct a successful, scientifically relevant EVA on the lunar surface. MIKE is a new system, being built from the ground-up, using lessons learned from its predecessor, ALEXEI. ALEXEI, the Augmented Lunar Exploration and Extravehicular Interface, previously developed by the Embry-Riddle SUIT Lab, now ASTRA Lab, was iteratively developed since the fall of 2019, having been presented in the NASA SUITS 2020, 2021, and 2022 Challenges [1, 2], and was a testbed for many features that may be utilized by astronauts during the Artemis missions. However, as these missions approach closer and the industry’s attention expands to Mars, several fundamental assumptions that underlaid ALEXEI have changed. Where ALEXEI assumed EVA hardware integration was out of scope, MIKE will be used to research how augmented reality (AR) systems can be implemented and controlled within EVA scenarios. Furthermore, while ALEXEI focused entirely on innovating and validating individual software features to be interacted with by a lone astronaut, MIKE will expand on these features to integrate into a larger EVA system, including multiple astronauts, a Local Mission Control Center (LMCC), and rover assistants. The primary goal for MIKE’s development within the 2024 NASA SUITS Challenge will be to provide insights into AR control schemes during EVA, while integrating within an analog Martian exploration system that will include LMCC and rover partner systems, and will guide an astronaut through egress, Martian navigation, airlock interaction, equipment repairs, science sampling, and final ingress as outlined in the 2024 NASA SUITS Mission Description [3]. MIKE is designed to be displayed on the Magic Leap 2 headset and will provide mission critical information in an unobtrusive manner, avoiding information overload while ensuring detailed information is available in an ergonomic way.