Geospatial simulation firm Aechelon Technology recently announced ‘Project Orbion’, an accurate whole-earth digital twin, together with its partners. Described as a “living synthesis of real-time satellite imagery, radar intelligence,video photogrammetry and AI all combined with the most accurate rendition of the Earth”, the project aims to achieve accurate physics, real-time weather and more in full Synthetic Reality (SR).
Project Orbion partners include San Francisco-based Niantic Spatial (San Francisco) for its Large Geospatial Model reconstruction and visualization service; Virginia based BlackSky for ultra-high-resolution imagery of the planet, and Helsinki-based companies ICEYE for space-based imaging radar and Distance Technologies for their Light Field 3D Displays. A goal of the collaboration is to explore integrating forthcoming versions of Niantic Spatial’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) with Aechelon’s simulation systems. In GPS-denied environments where satellite signals are unavailable or compromised, VPS will allow ground teams to achieve centimeter-level localization and navigation.
“Aechelon has spent decades creating the most realistic synthetic environments for mission-critical defense training,” said Nacho Sanz-Pastor, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer(CEO), Aechelon Technology. “The challenge has always been keeping pace with changes in the physical world and training humans and autonomous systems with realistic worldwide information. Our Skybeam™ product combines several innovative geospatial platforms with our own AI-driven, worldwide multi-sensor baseline to become a powerful new solution. The partnership with Niantic Spatial, ICEYE, BlackSky and Distance will enable Project Orbion (over the next months and years) to address dual-use, mission-critical applications that until now were just in the realm of science fiction.”
This project promises to be an exciting advance in the growing field of advanced digital twins. More information on Aechelon and Project Orbion is available here.
About Aechelon Technology
Aechelon is a global leader in simulation and training systems, specializing in geo-specific flight simulators and physics-based sensor AI training. Its cutting-edge Synthetic Reality platform replicates real-world environments with unmatched precision, enabling both humans and machines to operate in scenarios of extraordinary detail. This technology allows pilots and emergency responders to train for complex, high-stakes situations in immersive, ultra-realistic/virtual settings.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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