ARMOUR X: Augmented Reality Mission Operations UseR eXperience

Abstract

When developing ARMOUR X (Augmented Reality Mission Operations UseR eXperience), a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) team set out to explore whether mixed reality technologies can help military space professionals realize a common operating picture. Through an independent research and development (IRAD) grant from APL’s National Security Space Mission Area, the team sought to address the present-day problem of communicating large quantities of data and information with outdated presentation and visualization modalities. Through the use of mixed reality technologies (e.g., augmented reality and virtual reality) to create immersive experiences, the system aims to facilitate effective decision-making in operational environments with narrowing tactical timelines, such as space. During its three consecutive years of funding (FY2017–2019), the ARMOUR X team accomplished most of its engineering objectives, created a portable demonstration system for stakeholder engagement, and acquired stakeholder community feedback to inform system design decisions and future directions.