Effective spaceflight medical training must be combined with in-flight support tools to ensure crew competence in management of medical events and caring for sick astronauts. Collectively called Augmented Clinical Tools (ACT), these include technologies and applications to assist medical decision-making and action. Mixed Reality (MR) -- the ability to place virtual and photo-realistic items into the field of view using holograms -- provides an immersive, realistic user experience that has also proven feasible for training and guidance during technical non-routine tasks.

We propose to utilize existing technology to develop MR software that provides realistic training scenarios for astronauts, and combine medical education with real-time clinical support for some probable medical events in deep space. This includes a “SMART checklist” which guides astronauts through managing medical events in real-time. MR allows us to create lifelike space environments for astronauts to practice their skills. We will involve a wide range of stakeholders in software development and testing for usability, engagement, and performance. The project will take two years to complete and we will provide innovative products and guidance that can be incorporated into astronaut training to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills, and support to manage the expected and unexpected challenges on successful deep space missions.