NASA's answer to Google Glass and Occulus Rift is...well...ugly

Ok, so NASA is not trying to win over consumers worldwide, and functionality is certainly more important than style in outer space, but NASA's latest effort at wearable technology is downright ugly.

The digitally-enhanced goggles are being designed in partnership with Osterhout Design Group, the firm that designed the enhanced eyewear in the image above. To be fair, the final product could look much different, so we'll just have to hold out hope since space gear should be far more out-of-this-world than a chunky piece of plastic that looks right out of an optometrist's office.

Of course, these goggles are designed to be hardy and functional, rather than trendy and cool, as the Osterhout website highlights:

Features ODG's military-grade technology, 3D optics, and is also untethered for the ultimate hands-free experience. Stunning 3D stereoscopic see-thru HD displays.

The good news is, as much as the glasses look like something you'll be wearing after cataract surgery, they're pretty awesome. They'll deploy augmented reality in space, which would allow astronauts to benefit from a deeper integration of digital information during their everyday activities — imagine how useful it would be to get a little extra help while out on a space walk and trying to repair a mission critical system such as the air filtration system. Through these glasses, Houston should actually be able to see in real time exactly how much of a problem an astronaut is having.