PaleBlue has been awarded a project by the European Space Agency (ESA) to research and develop advanced XR input methods for space applications.

Working within a pan-European consortium, this project interfaces directly with three ESA offices: the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), the ESA Astronaut Centre (EAC), and the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). The team will develop a multimodal XR framework, implement critical space-based use cases, and conduct comprehensive evaluations to guide future development. The consortium comprises lead partner Scanway (Poland), Space Application Services (Belgium), Extend Robotics (UK), and PaleBlue.

Jointly, the partners will address a wide range of use cases for XR technologies within spaceflight from equipment assembly and integration to teleoperation of robotics and astronaut training.

This initiative leverages PaleBlue’s extensive expertise in crafting high-fidelity VR and XR training solutions for space exploration.

We are proud to be chosen by ESA to contribute to this development. This partnership serves as a significant validation of PaleBlue’s credibility as an XR technology specialist for the space sector.Felix Horn, PaleBlue CEO

This project is an important step in understanding how XR and multimodal interaction can support the next generation of space operations – from ground applications to future in-space use cases.Mikołaj Podgórski, Scanway COO

Virtual presence is the experience of feeling immersed within a digital environment, where enhanced situational awareness emerges through the integration of multimodal stimuli, opening new possibilities for how spaces can be experienced, interacted with, and used.Andrés Martín-Barrio, ESA XR Competence Centre Lead

About PaleBlue 
PaleBlue is a global leader in training and simulation technology for safety-critical industries, including energy, maritime, and aerospace. PaleBlue creates interactive training simulations using XR, VR, and 3D technologies, enabling trainees to rehearse complex procedures in realistic digital environments before performing them in real-world scenarios. PaleBlue has a proven track record of delivering digital training solutions to major energy clients, such as Saudi Aramco, Vår Energi (ENI), and Baker Hughes, as well as leading space organizations, including NASA and the European Space Agency.

About Scanway
Scanway is a European provider of advanced optical systems and space imaging technologies, developing and integrating optical instruments for satellite missions across Earth observation, in-orbit inspection, and scientific applications.

About European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA is Europe’s main organization for space exploration and space technology. ESA’s Space program includes Earth monitoring to track climate change, oceans and natural disasters, Space exploration to other planets and the Moon, Satellite programs launching satellites for Earth observation, navigation and weather monitoring, human spacelift and science missions to study the universe. It is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.