\tEnabling & Support<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t07\/05\/2026
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The European Space Agency (ESA) is using Extended Reality (XR) to support training, enhance operations, improve simulation environments, and to bring the wonders of space to the public.<\/p>\n
Walking on the Moon, operating a spacecraft, or floating aboard the International Space Station \u2013 from the comfort of your home planet. All you need is a headset, and the world in front of you transforms into just about anything.<\/p>\n
Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term for immersive technologies that blend digital and physical experiences:<\/p>\n
Virtual Reality (VR) fully immerses users in a completely virtual environment.<\/p>\n
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world.<\/p>\n
Mixed Reality (MR) integrates digital and physical environments, enabling interaction between both.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVirtual reality combined with an exoskeleton<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cXR technologies have been commercially available for several years and already support a range of space applications,\u201d says Andr\u00e9s Mart\u00edn Barrio, ESA\u2019s lead of the Extended Reality Competence Centre. \u201cHowever, broader adoption is expected as they become more accessible and user-friendly, lowering current barriers to everyday use.\u201d<\/p>\n \tBringing XR at ESA together <\/p>\n Extended Reality Competence Centre<\/p>\n \u201cESA has recently launched a dedicated Extended Reality Competence Centre<\/a> (XR-CC) to serve as a focal point for XR, facilitating knowledge transfer, fostering cross-collaboration, and streamlining development across ESA Member States,\u201d says Nicoletta Wagner, ESA Head of the Future Engineering Division.<\/p>\n ESA XR Plugin<\/p>\n The XR-CC has released the ESA XR Plugin<\/a>, a flexible tool built with Unreal Engine and OpenXR that simplifies the development of XR applications for space and allows companies and independent developers to build their own components while retaining full commercialisation rights.<\/p>\n This software development kit (SDK) is also available to high school and university students, providing an accessible entry point into developing XR applications for the space domain.<\/p>\n ESA XR Universe<\/p>\n The ESA XR Universe, currently in development, is an initiative that enables multiple users to share and interact within virtual spaces, allowing for more collaborative and immersive experiences.<\/p>\n A pilot version will soon be deployed internally at ESA to support collaborative design reviews, science outcome assessment, and Earth Observation decision-making, before the ESA XR Universe opens up to the general public.<\/p>\n ESA XR Conference<\/p>\n Every two years, the\u00a0ESA XR Conference<\/a> brings together professionals and experts working with XR and related technologies in the space sector. Watch a recap video of the 2026 edition<\/a>.<\/p>\n Experience ESA<\/p>\n A range of XR learning experiences<\/a> allows users to summon ESA\u2019s planetary defence mission Hera in their own living room, explore space in a virtual museum, experience a spacecraft launch and microgravity, or take on the challenge of protecting Earth from cosmic hazards.<\/p>\n \tPractice makes perfect<\/p>\n Travelling to space is a venture that needs to be precisely planned and thoroughly rehearsed. But how do we practice leaving Earth while staying on it?<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tVirtual Reality on the International Space Station<\/a><\/p>\n ESA\u2019s\u00a0XR Lab<\/a>,\u00a0part of the agency\u2019s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Germany, harnesses the potential of XR technologies to create immersive trainings for astronauts. Using a range of different applications, astronauts can familiarise themselves with the layout of the International Space Station,\u00a0learn how to operate the station\u2019s robotic arm<\/a>, and practice spacewalks.<\/p>\n But training on ground is just the first step: \u201cThe Mixed Reality Facility is a new project from ESA’s XR Lab that adapts Extended Reality technologies for use on the International Space Station,\u201d adds Lionel Ferra, lead of the XR Lab. \u201cXR devices can enable astronauts to perform procedures hands-free, stay motivated during daily exercise, and connect with their families in shared virtual spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n \tLearn more<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tRobotics training with VR<\/a><\/p>\n For more updates, visit XR at ESA<\/a>.<\/p>\n