NASA Spacesuit User Interface for Students

2024-2025

As part of the NASA SUITS 2025 Challenge, our team at Rice University developed a next-generation augmented reality (AR) interface for astronauts using the HoloLens 2. The system is designed to support astronauts during extravehicular activities (EVAs) by reducing cognitive load, improving navigation, and streamlining key mission tasks such as egress, navigation, geological sampling, and ingress.

The interface provides just-in-time instructions, real-time telemetry, and interactive mapping tools, helping astronauts manage limited resources, navigate the lunar surface, and respond to hazards. Features include dynamic wayfinding, a caution and warning system, synchronized team status tracking, and scientific data logging for field samples.

As a Human Factors Researcher and UX Designer, I led the design and evaluation of astronaut-facing interfaces, with a focus on usability, cognitive workload, and system reliability under high-stress conditions. We conducted human-in-the-loop testing to iteratively improve the system based on user feedback and task performance.

This project demonstrates how human-centered design and AR technologies can support future lunar missions by making complex EVA workflows safer, more intuitive, and more efficient.

Our proposal was selected as one of 10 teams across the U.S.—you can read it here.