Aechelon Technology aims to build digital twin of Earth based on synthetic reality

Aechelon Technology is fusing together leading-edge geospatial simulation, satellite imagery, radar intelligence, video photogrammetry and artificial intelligence into what it calls "a fully immersive synthetic reality (SR)". The aim of this ambitious initiative, called Project Orbion, is to build a live, real-time digital twin of the entire Earth. Positioned as the next frontier in virtual and augmented reality, synthetic reality blends artificial intelligence and machine learning to craft adaptive, evolving worlds.

At its core, Project Orbion seeks to provide a dynamic 3D reconstruction of the planet that updates in real time. It is designed to support decision-making in both civilian and defence contexts – from tracking wildfires and floods to monitoring troop movements, shipping routes and disaster zones. Unlike traditional simulation environments, Orbion’s data foundation draws on real-world, ground-truth conditions, giving both humans and AI systems the most accurate possible situational awareness.

New platform for decision-making and AI training

Aechelon’s SR data is also intended to train advanced defence and corporate AI models. Because Orbion’s platform can penetrate darkness, clouds and smoke, it promises an unprecedented level of continuity in high-risk environments. “This is the Earth’s true digital twin – perceived by AI and protected by human natural perception,” the company said.

Several major technology players are partnering on the project. Niantic Spatial (San Francisco) contributes its large-scale geospatial model reconstruction and visualization service. Helsinki-based ICEYE brings space-based imaging radar, while BlackSky (Herndon, Virginia) provides high-resolution, high-cadence Earth observation imagery. Distance Technologies (Helsinki) adds its next-generation 3D lightfield displays to the mix.

Building resilience in GPS-denied environments

One of the partnership’s goals is to integrate Niantic Spatial’s forthcoming visual positioning system (VPS) into Aechelon’s simulation systems. In GPS-denied environments, VPS could allow ground teams to achieve centimetre-level localization and navigation – a critical capability for time-sensitive search and rescue missions.

Nacho Sanz-Pastor, Aechelon’s co-founder and CTO, said the company has spent decades creating ultra-realistic environments for mission-critical defence training. He noted that Project Orbion aims to keep pace with the rapidly changing physical world while training both humans and autonomous systems on real-time global information.

Leaders from the partner companies emphasized how their combined technologies could transform emergency response, defence operations and AI training. As BlackSky CEO Brian O’Toole put it, initiatives like Project Orbion “are changing the way humanity will experience and explore the world – and can reshape how we respond to vital national security, economic or natural disaster events for the better”.