When Microsoft first announce HoloLens, the applications they talked about ranged from gaming, to education, to design and engineering. But one of the most exciting uses talked about was training NASA astronauts, and that strategy is just getting underway.

Having shipped a few HoloLens units to the International Space Station a while ago, the augmented reality headset are finally in the hands of the astronauts orbiting Earth, and they're ready to test out Project Sidekick. The basic idea behind Sidekick is to use the ability of the HoloLens to display relevant data and instructions alongside the wearer's point of view; similar to virtual Heads Up Display (HUD) from any modern FPS game. In fact, while handlers back at NASA HQ watch an astronaut complete repairs via live feed, HoloLens would also allow them to highlight points of interest for the astronauts on their individual displays, providing real-time interactive assistance.

As such, astronauts on board the ISS, who are generally recruited from various scientific backgrounds and subsequently given mechanical and pilot training, can instead be sent into with less in depth repair training, knowing they can count on live instructional video from home base when needed. The result would be faster trained astronauts, and hence a quicker turnaround on missions in general.

Of course, the HoloLens isn't yet a standard tool on missions but, if the space trials turn out well, Microsoft could very well end up an integral partner in future space missions.