PaleBlue delivers the first phase of the Zero Gravity VR Simulator for the International Space Station. The simulator includes a detailed 3D model of the International Space Station (ISS), avatar navigation in zero gravity, multi-user engine, and training procedures for operational situations. The simulator supports up to six astronauts interacting and training in weightlessness.

The project had started in early 2020, when PaleBlue and the European Astronaut Center (EAC) of the European Space Agency (ESA) agreed on developing an operational VR simulator, allowing for familiarization, studies, preparedness and operational training.

In the following months, PaleBlue engineers have been working closely with ESA EAC to create a highly detailed model of the European module at the ISS, Columbus. Methods of weightless navigation, arm and leg interactions were added. Equipment procedures were implemented for a number of interactive equipment racks.

July 2020 saw a successful delivery of the first phase of this unprecedented project. Felix Gorbatsevich, the Managing Director of PaleBlue, said: “PaleBlue is proud to have reached the first milestone in this ISS project. PaleBlue Simulation Platform, that has powered this system, has been extended to support zero gravity operation and advanced tool interactions. We are looking forward to expanding the human spaceflight features in our platform in the years to come.”

Lionel Ferra, the ESA ODF Manager & XR Lab HRE-OT, has said the following: “ESA and the European Astronaut Center have been very pleased with this first Zero-G VR simulator delivery, paving the way for further cooperation and development of new groundbreaking tools. This underlines the importance of creativity and flexibility in this promising endeavor.”

This milestone is the first in a row of many. The project carries on, expanding on modules, operational and emergency procedures that could be carried out in the PaleBlue simulator.

The project has been part-funded by the Norwegian Space Agency.

About PaleBlue
PaleBlue is the leading provider of immersive technologies and training solutions. Our focus is on achieving excellence by delivering value-driven solutions enabled with AR and VR technology. PaleBlue 3D simulators are built for the real world and help businesses worldwide better prepare for real-life situations and emergencies.

About EAC
The European Astronaut Centre (EAC) was established in 1990 and is located near Cologne, Germany. EAC has established itself as a center of excellence for astronaut selection, training, medical support, and surveillance, as well as support of astronauts and their families through preparation for and during flight.

About ESA
The European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organisation of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space.