Extended Realities at ESA

Andres Martin Barrio

ESA

Extended Reality (XR) encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), offering immersive digital experiences that merge the physical and virtual worlds. VR fully immerses users in computer-generated environments, AR overlays digital content onto the real world, and MR allows digital objects to interact dynamically with the physical environment. ESA has been leveraging XR technologies for over 17 years across four key domains: Digital Twin: XR supports mission planning, simulation, collaborative engineering, design assessment, or MAIT, enabling immersive, real-time interaction with space systems. Monitoring and Commanding: XR enhances data visualization, robotic operations, Earth observation, teleoperation, remote maintenance, or crisis management. Training: XR improves astronaut training, medical preparation, psychological support, physical countermeasures, or remote assistance. Outreach: XR engages the public through education, facilitates multi-user collaboration, or supports remote diagnosis, promoting awareness and operational readiness. These technologies streamline complex workflows, lower operational costs, enhance decision-making through immersive visualization, and open new avenues for innovation in space exploration, training, and collaboration.