Despite what many think, it won’t be NASA sending humans to Mars. Instead, it will be Microsoft and a holographic Buzz Aldrin. Using the HoloLens device, the software company will offer up a virtual adventure for visitors at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
EXPLORE MARS WITH BUZZ ALDRIN AND MICROSOFT
Despite all this talk about space tourism, let’s face it. You probably can’t afford it. Let Taylor Swift and Elon Musk luxuriously laugh the night away over a few glasses of space champagne on their trip to Planet 9. We don’t need to shell out millions for an experience like that. All you need is a virtual reality headset, the desire to go to Florida and a hologram, Buzz Aldrin. The Microsoft-NASA adventure entitled Destination: Mars opened up to a limited audience last week. Participants can explore Mars and learn about specific formations found by NASA’s Curiosity rover.
IT’S NOT A THEME PARK RIDE
If this sounds like something that would be fun, remember that Microsoft is involved. Microsoft likes to suck the enjoyment out of anything they touch, and Destination: Mars is no different. That being said, it certainly is educational. The program was originally designed for scientists as a mission control software. Combined with HoloLens, it helped scientists navigate the planet’s surface in a realistic fashion. Now, the public can do so too. NASA and Microsoft have been working together since last year to get the 3D replica of Mars up and running.
AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE
With both VR and AR, users of the HoloLens in this simulation will get an experience unlike any other. Virtual reality helps create deep immersion in your environment while AR helps build shared experiences. Walking around the planet is cool enough on its own, but hearing the reactions of others in your group only adds to the emotion. It’s not a solo experience. Instead, it’s a self-guided, group tour.With the untethered quality of the HoloLens, there is freedom to explore with others as opposed to watching from a screen. Of course, there’s always Buzz Aldrin around in case you need some help.
