PaleBlue releases an updated version of its astronaut training simulator: Vogue version 3. The system is named Vogue, which stands for Virtual Reality Zero G User Experience.

The project, originally started by ESA and PaleBlue in 2020, is well into its 3rd phase, and includes a great number of improvements. The digital twin of the International Space Station has been updated to high definition, allowing for better realism in equipment operation and familiarization. Virtual avatars have been upgraded to more realistic ones, and dynamic lights have been implemented. A number of training scenarios have been added, including day and night modes, food station operations, Axiom mission rehearsals, and more.

The system has been designed for operational training, station familiarization, and Zero Gravity sickness aversion.

A number of astronauts, including those from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have engaged with the system currently installed at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. ESA astronauts have undergone simulated training on the PaleBlue simulator, complementing their preparation for missions to the International Space Station. 

While this project has been dedicated to the training features and the International Space Station, PaleBlue has since started to apply the same simulation platform features to the engineering of space crafts, and the human factors development of the Lunar Gateway space station, part of Artemis Lunar program.

We are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with XR. Training astronauts is no doubt one of the most demanding training assignments we’ve had. We now have substantial validation for our training simulator, proving that it gives valuable training experience for astronauts.Felix Gorbatsevich, PaleBlue CEO

Over the past few years, PaleBlue has developed a near-AAA application for immersive space training, reproducing Zero-G physics and modeling the ISS with impressive accuracy. This training has been a tremendous success and is now transitioning from a technical demonstration into the regular astronaut training flow.Lionel Ferra, Head of software and AI, Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Exploration at ESA

The PaleBlue technology is constantly evolving. It has proven its usefulness for critical and complex astronaut training activities for the International Space Station. We are excited to see that the technology is now taking a further leap as part of the preparations for the Lunar Gateway.Arvid Bertheau Johannessen, Lead for Human Spaceflight and Exploration at NOSA

About PaleBlue
PaleBlue is a VR technology company, which has established a unique set of capabilities within 3D, VR, and multi-user experiences, used in simulation training environments. The company builds on a 20+ years experience track of building 3D and training simulation systems for the energy industry, including crane training, underwater robot simulators, drilling operation simulators, and more.

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 organization of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space.

About the Norwegian Space Agency
The Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) is a Norwegian government agency that follows Norway’s public space activities. The agency was established as the Norwegian Space Centre in 1987 in conjunction with Norway’s decision to join the European Space Agency (ESA). It functions as an agency of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry.