How NASA uses holographic technology to walk on Mars from Earth

Space · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Exploring the Martian surface usually requires a dangerous, long-distance spaceship voyage. However, using Microsoft's HoloLens technology, NASA scientists can now virtually stand alongside the Curiosity rover, allowing them to navigate the Gale crater and examine Martian rocks without ever leaving their offices on Earth.

The challenge of Martian exploration is not just the distance, but the difficulty of depth perception. While rovers like Curiosity and Opportunity capture 3D stereo images, translating that data into a format humans can use to judge distance is notoriously difficult. To solve this, NASA co-developed a software called OnSight, which utilizes holographic computing to pair virtual reality with real imagery gathered by the rover. This software specifically uses data collected by the rover to recreate its surroundings. This approach helps overcome the inherent difficulty humans face when trying to interpret depth from standard 3D pictures.

By using the HoloLens wearable headset, program scientists can experience the Martian environment as if they were physically present. This technology allows for a fundamental shift in how researchers perceive the Martian landscape. Instead of looking at flat images, they can walk around the environment and even crouch down to inspect specific rocks that might hold clues to the planet's wet history. This immersive experience allows researchers to explore the terrain from their desks. Such a capability provides a new way to understand the environment surrounding the rover.

This tool is more than just a simulation; it is a practical planning instrument. NASA officials intended to use OnSight to plan specific routes for the Curiosity rover, starting in 2015. By simulating the environment that the rover sees, scientists can better gauge distances and navigate the complex geometry of locations like the Gale crater, effectively bypassing the risks of asphyxiation and the long transit times required for human spaceflight. The technology was originally designed to assist with mission operations. It enables planners to better understand the complex Martian landscape through advanced holographic computing.

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