How NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly Fought Aliens in Space With the Help of Microsoft

By Mark Aserit
Scott Kelly
Expedition 46 Commander Scott Kelly of NASA is seen after returning to Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, March 3, 2016. REUTERS/NASA/Joel Kowsky/Handout via Reuters

After spending 340 days in outer space, NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly is back here on Earth and he has an interesting story to tell.   Kelly was surprised at the length of the mission and admitted, "maybe occasionally you do go bananas." Thankfully, he kept his sanity by using Microsoft's HoloLens on the International Space Station. 

Kelly tried a game called RoboRaid, where players have to fight off incoming swarms of invading aliens. The astronaut described the game, with a grin, was "kinda fun." Psychologists say spending an extended amount of time in outer space can affect person's mental health, so it is important for Kelly to have a recreational time.

Tech Times reported some of Microsoft's HoloLen's were shipped to the space station for testing. At a press conference, Kelly said the device "worked great." He was also surprised in the features of the technology.

Compare to other virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, Microsoft's HoloLens paints images around the actual environment of its users. The device is doing it by projecting light directly onto the user's eyeball and literally augmenting the images to their vision.

Check out what Kelly played at the International Space Station below:

While Kelly is at outer space, he experienced physical changes in his body. His skin became hypersensitive because it didn't come into contact with other things. His spine also expanded, though it retracted and returned to its normal length when he returned here on Earth.

Kelly, 52, spent a total of 340 days in space and traveled nearly 144 million miles. The astronaut came home with a wealth  of scientific data that researchers will analyze to understand the effects of space radiation on human body.

Meanwhile, Microsoft HoloLens is one of the much-awaited VR devices in the market. The device is equipped with a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit that has 32-bit Intel CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 64GB of onboard solid-state storage. Users can enjoy its awesome features by up to three hours of active usage time.

Furthermore, the VR headset boasts a total of six ultra-clear cameras. Four cameras survey environment with one that estimates depth-of-field, and two more that capture user's video.

HoloLens Development Edition is available for pre-orders. Visit the HoloLens site for details on how to get it. The VR devices will be shipped in the US and Canada starting 30 March, with no date on a UK or EU rollout yet given.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories