NASA-Microsoft augmented-reality system allows scientists to 'work on Mars'

“OnSight gives our rover scientists the ability to walk around and explore Mars right from their offices,” said Dave Lavery, program executive for the Mars Science Laboratory mission at NASA Headquarters. “It fundamentally changes our perception of Mars, and how we understand the Mars environment surrounding the rover.”
OnSight will use real rover data and extend the Curiosity mission’s existing planning tools by creating a 3D simulation of the Martian environment where scientists around the world can meet. Program scientists will be able to examine the rover’s work site from a first-person perspective, plan new activities, and preview the results of their work firsthand.
The OnSight system uses what Microsoft calls “holographic computing” to overlay visual information and rover data on the user’s field of view. Holographic computing blends a view of the physical world with computer-generated imagery to create a hybrid of real and virtual.

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