At Nubalo Studios, through our space technology division SpaceRobotics.EU, we have developed from scratch for Serco an interactive simulator dedicated to Sentinel-1, one of Europe’s key Earth observation missions within the Copernicus programme.
The project offers a completely different way to experience a real space mission: rather than simply watching it, users can take part in a simulation of its launch and operations through virtual reality and interactive technologies.
The entire simulator was developed from scratch in Spain, including programming, experience design, creation and adaptation of 3D models, user interfaces, interactive elements, graphical optimisation and the development of its different versions.
Experience the launch of Sentinel-1
The experience allows users to become part of a space mission for a few minutes, discover Sentinel-1 and interactively follow different procedures related to its launch and commissioning.
Sentinel-1 is part of the European Copernicus programme and uses an advanced C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), capable of observing our planet both day and night and under virtually any weather conditions.
Its observations have applications in fields as diverse as maritime surveillance, sea-ice and glacier monitoring, ground deformation analysis, oil-spill detection, and emergency response to floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
VR Light Version
Technology developed in Spain
The project also has a strong connection with Spanish space technology.
On the one hand, the simulator itself and its different versions were developed in Spain by our team, demonstrating how technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, real-time 3D graphics and simulation can also become powerful tools for the space sector.
But Spain’s involvement goes far beyond the simulator. The Spanish space industry has participated directly in the Sentinel-1 programme, developing technologies and subsystems for the satellites themselves.
Spanish companies have contributed to areas including communications systems, thermal control, electronics, software, mechanisms and other critical mission subsystems.
The experience therefore not only showcases one of Europe’s major Earth observation missions, but also highlights the fact that part of the technology that makes these missions possible is developed in Spain.
One simulator, multiple platforms
One of the main technical challenges was creating an experience capable of adapting to very different configurations. To achieve this, we developed several versions of the simulator, specifically optimised for different devices and scenarios.
The PC VR version provides the highest level of graphical quality, using a virtual reality headset connected to a high-performance computer.
We also developed a standalone VR version for Meta Quest 2, specifically optimised to run directly on the headset without requiring an external computer. This makes the experience particularly easy to transport and install at exhibitions, conferences and educational events.
For environments where virtual reality headsets are not used, there is a First Person PC version, allowing users to explore and interact with the simulation using a conventional computer.
The project also includes a Dual Screen version, designed to operate simultaneously across two displays and create an experience inspired by the workstations and consoles used during space mission operations.
In addition, several Augmented Reality experiences for Android and iOS were developed, allowing users to visualise and interact with Sentinel-1-related elements using smartphones and tablets.
From Spain to international space events
The different versions allow the project to be adapted to a wide range of environments: from a fully immersive individual experience to installations for major events, professional demonstrations and educational activities.
The simulator has been showcased at several international space-sector events, including SpaceOps in Dubai, the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs and European Space Agency (ESA) Open Day activities.
It is an example of how technology developed in Spain can be used to explain, visualise and experience European space projects in an entirely new way.
Because a space mission does not have to be explained only through photographs, videos or exhibition panels.
Now we can also step inside it, interact with its systems and experience its launch first-hand.
AR Light Version
In ESA showroom demostration