Implementation of Headtracking and 3D Stereo with Unity and VRPN for Computer Simulations

This paper explores low-cost hardware and software methods to provide depth cues traditionally absent in monocular displays. The use of a VRPN server in conjunction with a Microsoft Kinect and/or Nintendo Wiimote to provide head tracking information to a Unity application, and NVIDIA 3D Vision for retinal disparity support, is discussed. Methods are suggested to implement this technology with NASA's EDGE simulation graphics package, along with potential caveats. Finally, future applications of this technology to astronaut crew training, particularly when combined with an omnidirectional treadmill for virtual locomotion and NASA's ARGOS system for reduced gravity simulation, are discussed

NASA's Hybrid Reality Lab: One Giant Leap for Full Dive

This presentation demonstrates how NASA is using consumer VR headsets, game engine technology and NVIDIA's GPUs to create highly immersive future training systems augmented with extremely realistic haptic feedback, sound, additional sensory information, and how these can be used to improve the engineering workflow. Include in this presentation is an environment simulation of the ISS, where users can interact with virtual objects, handrails, and tracked physical objects while inside VR, integration of consumer VR headsets with the Active Response Gravity Offload System, and a space habitat architectural evaluation tool. Attendees will learn how the best elements of real and virtual worlds can be combined into a hybrid reality environment with tangible engineering and scientific applications

Relative photometry of HAT-P-1b occultations

We present HST STIS observations of two occultations of the transiting exoplanet HAT-P-1b. By measuring the planet to star flux ratio near opposition, we constrain the geometric albedo of the planet, which is strongly linked to its atmospheric temperature gradient. An advantage of HAT-P-1 as a target is its binary companion ADS 16402 A, which provides an excellent photometric reference, simplifying the usual steps in removing instrumental artifacts from HST time-series photometry. We find that without this reference star, we would need to detrend the lightcurve with the time of the exposures as well as the first three powers of HST orbital phase, and this would introduce a strong bias in the results for the albedo. However, with this reference star, we only need to detrend the data with the time of the exposures to achieve the same per-point scatter, therefore we can avoid most of the bias associated with detrending. Our final result is a 2 sigma upper limit of 0.64 for the geometric albedo of HAT-P-1b between 577 and 947 nm.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, 3 table

Deep Learning Applications in Manned Spaceflight

This presentation discusses a basic overview of Deep Machine Learning (DML) fundamentals, and two JSC applications of DML to create an Intelligent Personal Coach for exercise applications on deep-space missions, and the training of a neural network using the SingleShotPose algorithm from Microsoft to detect object 6 degree of freedom pose information from 2D image data for use in an Intelligent Procedure Assistant. The presentation concludes with a discussion about conceptual future uses of DML for space missions

Learning from the Brazilian community health worker model in North Wales.

Health policymakers in many countries are looking at ways of increasing health care coverage by scaling up the deployment of community health workers. In this commentary, we describe the rationale for the UK to learn from Brazil's scaled-up Community Health Worker primary care strategy, starting with a pilot project in North Wales

Experimental comparison of model-free and model-based dark hole algorithms for future space telescopes

Coronagraphic instruments provide a great chance of enabling high contrast spectroscopy for the pursuit of finding a habitable world. Future space telescope coronagraph instruments require high performing focal plane masks in combination with precise wavefront sensing and control techniques to achieve dark holes for planet detection. Several wavefront control algorithms have been developed in recent years that might vary in performance depending on the coronagraph they are paired with. This study compares 3 model-free and model-based algorithms when coupled with either a Vector (VVC) or a Scalar (SVC) Vortex Coronagraph mask in the same laboratory conditions: Pairwise Probing with Electric Field Conjugation, the Self-Coherent Camera with Electric Field Conjugation, and Implicit Electric Field Conjugation. We present experimental results from the In-Air Coronagraph Testbed (IACT) at JPL in narrowband and broadband light, comparing the pros and cons of each of these wavefront sensing and control algorithms with respect to their potential for future space telescopes.Comment: Conference Proceedings of SPIE: Techniques and Instrumentation for Detection of Exoplanets XI, vol. 12680 (2023

On-orbit servicing commercial opportunities with security implications

The On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) working group discussed legal and political implications of developing a commercial OOS industry. The group considered the benefits that OOS and Active Debris Removal (ADR) can offer the satellite industry, as well as potential disadvantages for international relations between space faring nations. To gain an accurate perspective of stakeholders involved in such a process, the OOS working group held a mock hearing for OOS licensing, with members of the working group assigned to represent stakeholders. Working group members presented their cases at a simulated domestic regulatory panel, constructed of members representing various government ministers, to fully explore stakeholder views. The mock hearings explored the challenges faced by OOS and ADR entrepreneurs as well as the benefit of regulation. The groups highlighted recommendations to ensure the practicality of OOS and determine how best to encourage licensing and regulation of such activities, as summarised below. 1. The United Nations (UN) should provide regulatory guidelines for OOS and ADR. 2. Government agencies should license OOS. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken responsibility for licensing commercial space transportation in the United States and this should be extended to OOS/ADR missions to enable short-term advancement prior to further UN regulation. 3. Government should support OOS and ADR development to ensure continued demand. This includes leading by example on government satellites and potential launch levies to enable on-going ADR funding. 4. All stakeholders should prevent weaponisation of space through transparency of operations. 5. Nations should initiate international cooperation on ADR. OOS and ADR will ensure sustainable use of satellites, particularly in LEO and GEO, for the coming decades. It is through transparency, economic stimulation and close monitoring that such endeavours will be successful

Broadband Vector Vortex Coronagraph Testing at NASA's High Contrast Imaging Testbed Facility

The unparalleled theoretical performance of an ideal vector vortex coronagraph makes it one of the most promising technologies for directly imaging exoplanets with a future, off-axis space telescope. However, the image contrast required for observing the light reflected from Earth-sized planets ($\sim10^{-10}$) has yet to be demonstrated in a laboratory setting. With recent advances in the manufacturing of liquid crystal vector vortex waveplates as well as system-level performance improvements on our testbeds, we have achieved raw contrast of 1.6$\times10^{-9}$ and 5.9$\times10^{-9}$ in 10% and 20% optical bandwidths, respectively, averaged over 3-10$\lambda/D$ separations on one side of the pseudo-star. The former represents a factor of 10 improvement over the previously reported performance. We show experimental comparisons of the contrast achieved as a function of spectral bandwidth. We provide estimates of the limiting error terms and discuss the improvements needed to close the gap in contrast performance required for future exoplanet imaging space telescopes.Comment: To appear in the Proceedings of the SPI