Microsoft has landed a contract worth USD 19.8 million to develop a virtual and mix-reality training setup for the  Space Systems Command (SSC).

The Integrated, Immersive, Intelligent Environment (I3E) contract has a one-year performance period beginning on December 1, with the option to extend for an additional three years.

This agreement aims to advance the capabilities of the digital ecosystem, providing state-of-the-art features to elevate the mission effectiveness of the Space Force.

The I3E augmented reality space simulation, driven by Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, proves to be a highly effective training and simulation tool. It provides a real-time presentation of orbital objects, allowing users to engage with them in a precisely scaled space environment.

Furthermore, the I3E facilitates the integration of new and emerging space capabilities, enabling Guardians to comprehend their interactions and impacts on the overall space architecture. SSC has initiated training sessions for personnel to proficiently utilize I3E.

“Leveraging emerging game-changers like I3E enhances our ability to gain situational awareness and enable decision-makers to act at a higher velocity than our adversaries,” said Shannon Pallone, Program Executive Officer for Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3).

“Within BMC3 are investing in a digital environment to include I3E  to facilitate and expedite the development, assessment, and delivery of improved space capabilities to enhance capability integration across the USSF’s Field Commands and mission partners,” Pallone added.

Currently available at its Los Angeles node, I3E will eventually be accessible to Guardians worldwide through a Virtual Desktop. As the environment broadens its scope to cater to more users, mission sets, and classification levels, it will be scalable to support additional crucial Space Force locations.

“Microsoft will bring its full suite of technologies, including industry leading solutions in cloud computing, simulations, and augmented reality along with global networking, enterprise data management, advanced analytics and modern collaboration tools, to support the Space Systems Command’s modernization efforts for I3E and beyond,” the tech giant said in a blog post.