Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Magazine      Advertise  
NEWS
Hololens gets first public outing as part of new Mars experience at Kennedy Space Center
POSTED 22 Sep 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Buzz Aldrin experiences the power of Microsoft's Hololens in Destination: Mars Credit: NASA
Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin was among the first to try out Microsoft’s Hololens technology for the first time in a visitor attraction, with a new exhibition at the Florida’s Kennedy Space Center allowing visitors to virtually explore the surface of Mars.

Open until the end of the year, Destination: Mars has been developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with Hololens. Using the augmented reality headset, visitors can explore parts of Mars as observed by NASA’s Curiosity rover.



Using JPL’s OnSight technology, which allows NASA’s researchers to participate in a shared AR experience, a holographic version of Aldrin and Curiosity rover driver Erisa Hines, explain the work NASA is doing on Mars today. Using the HoloLens headset, visitors can explore geographic features on Mars and even plan future routes for the Curiosity rover.

“Technology like the HoloLens leads us once again towards exploration," said Aldrin. "It's my hope that experiences like Destination: Mars will continue to inspire us to explore."

Microsoft made its Hololens developer kit available for pre-order in March at a price of US$3,000 (€2,750, £2,150) ahead of the technology’s public release.

According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.

The device itself is still in the development phase with no set date for the public release. Even the beta release is limited, with only those in Microsoft’s Windows Insider programme able to apply for a maximum of two Hololens devices.
In the experience, a holographic version of Aldrin and Curiosity rover driver Erisa Hines, explain the work NASA is doing on Mars today Credit: NASA
The exhibition is open until the end of the year, closing 1 January 2017 Credit: NASA
RELATED STORIES
  Hololens on sale to developers with US$3,000 price tag


Microsoft has made its Hololens developer kit available for pre-order at a price of US$3,000 (€2,750, £2,150) ahead of the technology’s public release.
  US Astronaut Hall of Fame closes ahead of move to Kennedy Space Center


The Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, has closed its doors 25 years after it first opened to the public, with the standalone attraction being incorporated into the new Heroes and Legends exhibit.
  Microsoft HoloLens will have 'major implications' for heritage and architecture


An expert in the field of architecture and heritage has said that Microsoft’s HoloLens will play a huge part in the sector in the not-too-distant future.
  Hololens will be available to developers 'within a year' says Microsoft CEO


Microsoft will be releasing the first developer version of its augmented reality HoloLens headset “within the next year”, according to the company’s CEO.
MORE NEWS
Les Mills calls on the industry to support UNICEF
Global group exercise specialist, Les Mills, is inviting operators to sign up to its Workout for the World event on 20 June, in support of UNICEF.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers identify a drug which reduces muscle loss when using GLP-1 medications
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
+ More news   
LATEST JOBS
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Everyone Active
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Job location: Harrow, Middlesex , United Kingdom
Self Employed Personal Trainer
Everyone Active
Salary: Competitive
Job location: Enderby
+ More jobs  

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Supporting long-term health: why whole body vibration belongs in clinical settings
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]

Elevate 2026 to mark 10-year anniversary with biggest ever waterfront drinks reception
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
ukactive

ukactive is the UK’s leading trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together more tha [more...]
Total Vibration Solutions Ltd (TVS Group)

TVS Group includes TVS Sports Surfaces, TVS Gym Flooring, TVS Play Surfaces and TVS Acoustics. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

15-18 Jun 2026

HLTH Europe

RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
17-18 Jun 2026

Elevate London

Excel London, London, United Kingdom
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
HCM
LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH CLUB HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get HCM digital magazine and ezines FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
NEWS
Hololens gets first public outing as part of new Mars experience at Kennedy Space Center
POSTED 22 Sep 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Buzz Aldrin experiences the power of Microsoft's Hololens in Destination: Mars Credit: NASA
Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin was among the first to try out Microsoft’s Hololens technology for the first time in a visitor attraction, with a new exhibition at the Florida’s Kennedy Space Center allowing visitors to virtually explore the surface of Mars.

Open until the end of the year, Destination: Mars has been developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with Hololens. Using the augmented reality headset, visitors can explore parts of Mars as observed by NASA’s Curiosity rover.



Using JPL’s OnSight technology, which allows NASA’s researchers to participate in a shared AR experience, a holographic version of Aldrin and Curiosity rover driver Erisa Hines, explain the work NASA is doing on Mars today. Using the HoloLens headset, visitors can explore geographic features on Mars and even plan future routes for the Curiosity rover.

“Technology like the HoloLens leads us once again towards exploration," said Aldrin. "It's my hope that experiences like Destination: Mars will continue to inspire us to explore."

Microsoft made its Hololens developer kit available for pre-order in March at a price of US$3,000 (€2,750, £2,150) ahead of the technology’s public release.

According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.

The device itself is still in the development phase with no set date for the public release. Even the beta release is limited, with only those in Microsoft’s Windows Insider programme able to apply for a maximum of two Hololens devices.
In the experience, a holographic version of Aldrin and Curiosity rover driver Erisa Hines, explain the work NASA is doing on Mars today Credit: NASA
The exhibition is open until the end of the year, closing 1 January 2017 Credit: NASA
RELATED STORIES
Hololens on sale to developers with US$3,000 price tag


Microsoft has made its Hololens developer kit available for pre-order at a price of US$3,000 (€2,750, £2,150) ahead of the technology’s public release.
US Astronaut Hall of Fame closes ahead of move to Kennedy Space Center


The Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, has closed its doors 25 years after it first opened to the public, with the standalone attraction being incorporated into the new Heroes and Legends exhibit.
Microsoft HoloLens will have 'major implications' for heritage and architecture


An expert in the field of architecture and heritage has said that Microsoft’s HoloLens will play a huge part in the sector in the not-too-distant future.
Hololens will be available to developers 'within a year' says Microsoft CEO


Microsoft will be releasing the first developer version of its augmented reality HoloLens headset “within the next year”, according to the company’s CEO.
MORE NEWS
Les Mills calls on the industry to support UNICEF
Global group exercise specialist, Les Mills, is inviting operators to sign up to its Workout for the World event on 20 June, in support of UNICEF.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers identify a drug which reduces muscle loss when using GLP-1 medications
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Peloton signals potential move into reformer Pilates with Skop acquisition
Peloton has made the strategic acquisition of the Pilates start-up, Skōp, to support the expansion of its strength ecosystem.
Crunch Fitness creates more affordable reformer Pilates concept
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Supporting long-term health: why whole body vibration belongs in clinical settings
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping people stay active, independent and feeling good for longer. [more...]

Elevate 2026 to mark 10-year anniversary with biggest ever waterfront drinks reception
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
ukactive

ukactive is the UK’s leading trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together more tha [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

15-18 Jun 2026

HLTH Europe

RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
17-18 Jun 2026

Elevate London

Excel London, London, United Kingdom
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS