Latest
issue
GET ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital edition of Attractions Management and the FREE weekly Attractions Management ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window I've already subscribed. I've already subscribed.
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
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
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
+ More news   
LATEST JOBS
General Manager, The Needles
Heritage Great Britain
Salary: c£70,000pa + benefits + relocation support
Job location: Isle of Wight , United Kingdom
+ More jobs  

COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
28-29 Sep 2026

Wellness Destination AI Tech Summit – Tourism, Hospitality & Real Estate, 28-29 Sept 2026

Grand Ballroom, METT Singapore, Singapore
+ More diary  
LATEST ISSUES
+ View Magazine Archive

Attractions Management

2026 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 2


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2024 issue 4


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management News

06 Apr 2020 issue 153


View on turning pages
Download PDF
View archive
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Handbook

2019


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
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
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
28-29 Sep 2026

Wellness Destination AI Tech Summit – Tourism, Hospitality & Real Estate, 28-29 Sept 2026

Grand Ballroom, METT Singapore, Singapore
+ 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
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS