These aren't just holographic computers – they're holographic PCs in space!

Imagine an astronaut getting stuck with a problem, hundreds of kilometres above the earth at the International Space Station. What does she do? She immediately calls ground control for help. But how useful would it to be for the ground operators to solve the problem if they get the same exact view of what the astronaut is seeing? To achieve this, NASA has joined hands with Microsoft, to introduce HoloLens to astronauts in space. Microsoft HoloLens claims to be the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer.

In this project, the ISS astronauts will use HoloLens in two different modes: Remote Expert Mode and Procedure Mode. Remote Expert Mode uses Skype, to help astronauts aboard the space station communicate with ground operators, NASA said. By using HoloLens, ground operators would be better equipped to give guidance, particularly for more complicated tasks like experiments and repairs in the space. In the Procedure mode, astronauts will see a holographic layer of information over the objects. It will allow them to add more layers and experiment with the existing objects.

Watch NASA and Microsoft engineers experiment with the HoloLens on NASA’s weightless Wonder C9 Jet, where astronauts get training to live and work in the ISS.