Introduction to Augmented Reality in Space Exploration
The Roman Space Telescope, a NASA mission designed to explore dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics, is being assembled at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Technicians are using advanced measuring equipment, augmented reality headsets, and QR codes to virtually check the fit of some Roman Space Telescope structures before constructing or moving them through facilities. This progressive approach has helped improve accuracy and save time on fit checks.
How Augmented Reality Works
Projecting digital models onto the true world allows technicians to align parts and search for potential interference amongst them. The AR heads-up display also enables precise positioning of flight hardware for assembly with accuracy right down to thousandths of an inch. By manipulating a digital model of Roman’s propulsion system into the true telescope structure, technicians revealed that the planned design wouldn’t fit around existing wiring. This finding helped avoid the necessity to rebuild any components, saving time and resources.
Benefits of Augmented Reality
The R&D team at Goddard working on this AR project suggests that broader adoption in the long run could potentially save weeks of construction time and tons of of 1000’s of dollars. Using NASA’s Internal Research and Development program, the team has achieved excess of they originally sought to prove. "The original project goal was to develop enhanced assembly solutions utilizing AR and discover if we could eliminate costly fabrication time," said NASA Goddard engineer Ron Glenn. "We found the team could accomplish that way more."
Real-World Applications
For instance, engineers using a robotic arm for precision measuring and 3D laser scanning mapped Roman’s complex wiring harness and the amount inside the spacecraft structure. By manipulating the virtual model of Roman’s propulsion assembly into that frame, they found places where it interfered with the present wiring harness. Adjusting the propulsion assembly before constructing it allowed the mission to avoid costly and time-consuming delays. Roman’s propulsion system was successfully integrated earlier this 12 months.
Future Possibilities
The technologies utilized in this project allow 3D designs of parts and assemblies to be shared or virtually handed off from distant locations. They also enable dry runs of moving and installing structures in addition to help capture precise measurements after parts are built to check to their designs. Adding a precision laser tracker to the combination may also eliminate the necessity to create elaborate physical templates to make sure components are accurately mounted in precise positions and orientations.
Conclusion
The use of augmented reality within the assembly of the Roman Space Telescope has been a game-changer, saving time and resources while improving accuracy. As the team continues to develop and refine this technology, they hope to assist integrate various components, conduct inspections, and document final construction. With the potential to avoid wasting weeks and tons of of 1000’s of dollars, this innovation could have a major impact on future space missions. As Ron Glenn said, "It will help us rapidly produce spacecraft and instruments, saving weeks and potentially tons of of 1000’s of dollars. That allows us to return resources to the agency to develop recent missions."
