HTC has devised a new way to keep astronauts entertained while up in space. The former smartphone manufacturer, which has since pivoted to VR headsets, will be sending three of its HTC Vive Focus 3 headsets to the International Space Station.<\/p>\n
The project is being carried out in partnership with an engineering firm, Nord Space, and XR Health as part of a larger effort to improve astronauts\u2019 mental health, who often feel lonely when in space for weeks or months at a time.<\/p>\n
The headsets come pre-loaded with software designed to improve mental health, so the astronauts may not be using the headsets to game.<\/p>\n
“Astronauts are essentially isolated during their missions for months and years at a time and are confined to small spaces with limited contact with friends and family,” Chief Technology Officer at Nord-Space Aps Per Lundahl Thomsen said. “Creating a virtual platform that addresses their mental health needs while in isolation is imperative for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle when they return.\u201d<\/p>\n
HTC says that its team adapted the headsets to work even in space\u2019s microgravity conditions. Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who is currently in space for a six-month assignment with NASA, will be the first to demo the headset.<\/p>\n