The Helmet-Mounted Display as a Tool to Increase Productivity during Space Station Extravehicular Activity

Abstract

While the debate continues about the safety and applicability of heads-up displays (HUDs) and helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) in the aeronautical environment (as demonstrated in the July, October, and November 1987 issues of the Human Factors Society Bulletin), a voice-controlled HMD is being designed as the core of the information system for the new Space Station Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). This paper describes the human factors issues that suggest the HMD will be a safe and desirable tool for Space Station extravehicular activity (EVA). Also, it briefly outlines a Macintosh-based voice-interactive rapid prototyping system that is being used at the NASA Johnson Space Center for simulating and evaluating the HMD's ability to enhance astronaut productivity in the EVA setting.

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