Astronaut Training Enters a New Dimension with PaleBlue and ESA
Preparing astronauts for crewed space missions is a process that demands years of preparation and hundreds of hours of complex training. With no room for error, mission success relies on absolute precision and flawless execution. To meet these challenges, PaleBlue has developed immersive space simulators that bring even the most demanding training environments within reach. In this blog, we explore PaleBlue’s transformative collaboration with the European Space Agency where VR/XR is redefining how astronauts prepare for space exploration.
Step Inside the Space Station in VR
In 2020, based on an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), PaleBlue started developing a VR training simulator for astronaut training in Zero Gravity. Within this project, the International Space Station (ISS) is reproduced as a virtual 3D model, where astronaut crews use VR to perform simultaneous training.
The simulation provides a highly detailed VR visualization of the different components astronauts handle while working aboard the space station, but also when performing spacewalks. It enables trainees to familiarize themselves with different aspects of the ISS environment and learn how to navigate microgravity conditions. It also helps to mitigate motion sickness.
When putting on the VR/XR headset, users are transported inside the space station. Trainees can study detailed layouts of internal systems, including equipment racks, airlocks, and the locations and use of emergency equipment like fire extinguishers. Using hand controllers or hand tracking, trainees can grasp objects, find their way around the modules, and take a look at Earth from the station’s Cupola viewing point. The training software even allows astronauts to practice complex maintenance procedures, such as assembling or replacing equipment components.
Transitioning From Demo to Daily Use
This headset-based training has been a tremendous success and has already transitioned from a pilot into the regular astronaut training program. Since the project’s launch, a number of astronauts, including those from ESA as well as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have engaged with the system currently installed at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. There’s now substantial validation for the training simulator, proving that it gives valuable training experience for astronauts.
Astronauts who have trained using VR/XR solutions tend to provide enthusiastic feedback, highlighting how these immersive experiences complement traditional training methods as a fresh change of pace. They also appreciate being able to repeat procedures multiple times, allowing them to memorize every move until it’s second nature.
In this blog post by PaleBlue, you can learn about Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt’s experience with training with the simulation, involving five other users connected across Europe and interacting with Marcus in real time.
The Next Generation of Immersive Astronaut Training
PaleBlue recently released an updated version of its astronaut training simulator, called Vogue. Vogue stands for Virtual Reality Zero G User Experience, and it is now available in its 3rd generation.
In the latest release, 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 simulation technology continues to advance, consistently proving its value in supporting complex and mission-critical astronaut training for the International Space Station. Now, it is taking an important step forward – extending its role into preparations for the Lunar Gateway and future missions beyond Earth’s orbit.