Abstract Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are rapidly establishing themselves in the space industry. From assisting with assembling the Orion capsule via Augmented Reality (AR) to using highly immersive virtual environments for astronaut training, MR technologies provide a powerful mechanism to alter the perception of the physical world and deliver realistic personalized visual stimuli to users. In this paper, we discuss a novel strategy to utilize MR technologies as a design element to enhance the interior architecture of the space habitat and enrich the inhabitants’ personal experience. We discuss two scenarios that entail long duration missions as well as a customized experience for space tourists in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). We report a series of spacecraft volumetric studies of the ergonomics associated with the application of MR technologies. Physical, Virtual and Combined experiences mapped within the volumes with respect to crew ConOps provide a basis for further analysis and are translated to architectural design requirements that inform criteria for the development of personalized MR-based visualizations. The paper concludes with a discussion of directions for future research and design-based investigations. Compilations of mission-influencing factors such as launch mass and volume reduction per habitat, technology limitations and integration requirements are presented and evaluated by the level of importance for achieving mission goals and objectives.

Highlights • Long duration space missions can cause complex psychological difficulties. • Immersive MR technologies used as a psychological countermeasure in space habitats. • Alternative MR technologies to avoid using HMD. • Projection-based MR system integrated with space habitat design.