Canadian firm developing immersive virtual reality camera systems for space exploration
by CM Staff
Felix & Paul Studios is receiving a contribution worth $482,607 from the Canadian Space Agency.
Montreal-based Felix & Paul Studios is receiving a contribution worth $482,607 from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to further develop VR camera technology that could capture and transmit high-quality footage from future international missions to the Moon and other deep-space destinations.
In a news release, CSA said its investment will help Felix & Paul Studios commercialize technology that has the potential to become a part of Canada’s growing “new-space economy.”
“The company’s experience in 360-degree immersive filmmaking on the International Space Station, paired with its skills in technical innovation, has the potential to strengthen Canada’s status as a leader in space optics and camera technologies, and position Canadian companies to become part of the expanding lunar exploration supply chain,” CSA said.
A potential application for Felix & Paul’s technology is space robotics, CSA said, including helping robotics operators on the ground see better in the lunar environment. “The studio’s immersive experiences will also captivate the public by making space more accessible, and by bringing Earth-bound viewers along on the adventure like never before,” the agency said.
Felix & Paul creates immersive entertainment experiences, and is said to be the only NASA-approved company with the capacity to film in ultra-high-definition 3D, 360-degree virtual reality aboard the International Space Station.
The funding stems from CSA’s Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP), which will invest $150 million over five years to help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon’s surface in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and health.
