Augmented Reality as a Tool in a Mars Colonization Effort
- Paper number
IAC-06-A5.1.03
- Author
Mr. Damian Rogers, Ryerson University, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Julio Aprea Perez, International Space University (ISU), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Tobias Bittner, International Space University (ISU), Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Erik Clacey, Swedish Space Corporation, Sweden
- Year
2006
- Abstract
As part of team project devoted to terraforming, this section, which included my personal contribution, was devoted to research on the feasibility of using augmented reality (AR) to help the final terraforming efforts and initial colonies on a partially terraformed Mars. The focus here was on using a somewhat new technology and applying the principles of this technology to help the first settlers on a partially terraformed planet. Using Mars as the target for the above mentioned terraforming initiative, it was concluded that a synergetic approach could make it possible to obtain estimated values of 280K (∼60K increase), >400mbar total pressure (from ∼7mbar initial), an approximate 40% reduction in UV flux, ∼70m global depth of water (at 10% surface coverage, with a Boreal Sea up to 1km deep), and plant coverage of approximately 25% of the surface in basic plants with some higher order plants present. This shows that a synergetic approach to terraforming Mars can effectively initiate a habitable environment within a much faster timeframe than estimated by any one approach alone. With these targets in mind for such an endeavour, the basis for the study on augmented reality was how it could be used to help these values approach more Earth-like values, or how augmented reality could be used to lessen the amount of time needed for the initial terraforming effort. On the spectrum between virtual reality and the real world environment, AR seeks to combine both by adding graphics, video, audio, haptics, and smell to the world as it is perceived by the human eye. AR does this by overlaying these enhancements, as mentioned above, over a real world environment in real-time. There are three basic components to making an AR system work: head mounted display (HMD), a network of sensors, and mobile computing power. AR systems will be widely applicable to all human efforts in the Mars initiative, from precursor science missions to settling the planet; possible uses being broken down into two main categories: precursor missions and settlement missions. During the precursor missions, AR devices can be used extensively to map out the region, find landing spots for future supply or human missions, indicate and map out resource abundances, monitor weather and storm patterns, and help monitor user vital signs. Within each of these mentioned topics, there are a host of other possibilities for AR systems during the precursor missions. For human settlement missions, during or after the bulk of terraforming activity on Mars, AR systems can be used in many other ways. By integrating individual AR systems into a global network of all users and computers on Mars, a user could look around them and obtain up to the second information on the activities occurring as they see them. This can greatly increase efficiencies, as well as letting workers know where they will be needed once they are finished their current task. Another use for AR during this phase could be in the farming of any plant life that will be introduced to the planet. Using some peripheral sensors or the link into the global network, a user can look at crop fields and see exactly how water levels, plant health, or food levels are changing in real-time. Also, they may be able to see which crops are ready for harvesting and which are not, increasing the yield of crops and decreasing harvesting time. From this study, it has been found that with advances in mobile computing power, the ability to use AR for the purposes of settling Mars becomes more a reality then previously thought; while helping to improve human efficiency and settlement sustainability. This of course assumes that current levels of research in the AR field will be continued or increased in the near future and that computing follows the current trends as seen in the past decade.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A5.1.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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