Research Team
Team VISOR
Visually Integrated Spacesuit Using
Optics and Augmented Reality
University of Maryland, College Park
Gemstone Honors Program
Class of 2020
About Us
Team VISOR is a group of eleven senior students conducting an original research project within the Gemstone Honors Program. Under the guidance of our mentor, Dr. David Akin, we are a collection of individuals who are passionate about space, futuristic technology, astronaut safety, and innovation. By April 2020, we are eager to attempt to conclusively find out how augmented reality (AR) systems, modern display-capable visors, and integration of these systems with spacesuits can affect space operations. Ultimately, our overarching goal is to develop a heads-up display (HUD) via a transparent spacesuit visor that will improve multitasking ability, augment EVA efficiency, and ensure astronauts' safety.
Dr. David Akin, Space Systems Laboratory Director, Team VISOR Mentor
Our Research
What We Do
Research Problem
Currently, spacesuits lack modernized, efficient ways to check crucial information, gather scientific knowledge, and interact with the environment. This model has become archaic and needs updating; today's spacesuits even still rely on a wrist mirror to see vital signs. In addition to guaranteeing astronaut safety, a new, improved spacesuit information system could increase operational efficiency and usher in the potential for expanded space missions.
Mission
We are designing an up-to-date spacesuit visor and AR system for astronauts on extravehicular activities (EVAs). Such a spacesuit would enable hands-free multitasking, enhance astronaut safety, increase efficiency, and simplify access to information and interaction with the outside environment. These changes could make EVAs more productive, save money, and afford greater opportunities for space exploration.
Our Goals
The underlying technology used for HUDs currently exists, and some work has been done on transparent screens. However, the application to space is novel, and we will adapt these technologies to the harsh environment and integrate them with today's spacesuits to design an improved helmet visor. Our findings and work may also lead to other applications in which transparent HUDs can be utilized.
The Gemstone Process
Our Research Path
Team Formation
April 2017
After the project was proposed by team members Zach Peters, Brady Sack, and Shelly Szanto, Team VISOR was created at the end of the group's freshman year. Later on, we learned that our faculty mentor would be Dr. Akin and began work.
Thesis Proposal
February 2018
Our team combined its introductory work, review of existing literature on the subject, and methodology for our project into our thesis proposal. This proposal was presented in front of a panel of experts, librarians, and Gemstone staff and officially approved.
Do Good Showcase
November 2018
Following our preliminary testing and initial experimentation with hardware, our team presented its findings and planned directions in Gemstone's Do Good Showcase. There, we received reviews, questions, and constructive criticism from the audience and experts.
Library Award
April 2018
Our team was honored to be granted the 2nd prize of the Gemstone Program's Library Award for exhibiting excellent research practices, using university library resources effectively, and citing scholarly sources to contribute to scientific knowledge.
ICES Conference
July 2019
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final frontier
Unknown
Team VISOR participated in the annual International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) in Boston, a conference about spaceflight technology and human factors in space, where two team members delivered a presentation summarizing our findings, current work, and planned directions.
Meet The Team
Katie Fox
Team Liaison
Computer Engineering Major
Christoph Neisess
Ombudsperson
Aerospace Engineering Major
Brady Sack
Mentor Liaison
Aerospace Engineering Major with Physics Minor
Shelly Szanto
Library Liaison
Aerospace Engineering Major
Radhika Karsalia
Team Member
Mechanical Engineering Major with Technology Entrepreneurship Minor
Zach Peters
Team Member
Aerospace Engineering Major
Matthew Sieh
Web Liaison
Materials Science and Engineering Major
Matthew Wilkin
Team Clerk
Astronomy and Physics Double Major
Jillian Kunze
Financial Liaison
Astronomy and Physics Double Major
Roshan Rao
Team Member
Mechanical Engineering Major with International Engineering Minor
Ryan Skoletsky
Web Liaison
Astronomy and Physics Double Major
Dr. David Akin
Team VISOR Mentor
Director of Space Systems Laboratory, Aerospace Engineering Professor
