The European Space Agency is expanding its use of extended reality technologies for astronaut training, mission planning, and public engagement. ESA recently launched an Extended Reality Competence Centre and introduced the ESA XR Plugin, a toolkit that helps developers and students build space-focused XR applications.
The agency is also developing the ESA XR Universe, a shared virtual environment designed for collaboration, scientific reviews, and Earth observation work. Astronaut teams are testing XR systems aboard the International Space Station to support hands-free procedures, exercise, and communication with family members.