Temporal analysis and visualization of contaminant molecular transport using augmented reality during extended missions in space

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed description of why molecular transport analysis is critical to mission success and a development overview for an augmented reality data visualization application used to effectively communicate the results. A small amount of contaminant accumulation on each optical element can cause unacceptable degradation of the optical train which is why contamination control is one of the most critical elements in the design and production of space telescopes. Effective communication of mission risk and the effect of operational maneuvers on contaminant transport is essential to project scientists, program managers, operations and contamination control engineers, and students entering the field. Intuitive tools to convey this information are sorely needed. Therefore, translating dry data sets into an augmented reality experience offers an excellent opportunity to enhance and improve communication of this information. The proof of concept demonstration for the augmented reality data visualization application presented in this work is a work in progress and this paper provides several lessons learned during development. Namely OpenTD in Thermal Desktop version 6.1 can be used as a means of automating the TD to Unity pipeline while preserving node information. Using virtual reality to develop AR interfaces can reduce development time, but the UI must be tested in VR with an AR environment in mind. Further development of this application could enable visualizing the effect of changing mission parameters on contamination transport during mission planning.