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\t\t\t\t\t\t06\/05\/2026<\/span> The European Space Agency (ESA) has partnered with French video game studio\u00a0DON\u2019T NOD\u00a0Entertainment on the development of\u00a0Aphelion<\/i>, a narrative science\u2011fiction game\u00a0inspired by space exploration and scientic expertise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Released on 28 April and available on PC, PlayStation\u00a05 and Xbox Series\u00a0X\/S,\u00a0Aphelion<\/i>\u00a0takes players to the outer edge of the Solar System. In the roles of ESA astronauts Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, players explore the uncharted planet Persephone, a fictional ninth planet, as part of the Hope\u201101 mission.\u00a0<\/p>\n Developed in close collaboration with ESA, the game is grounded in real scientific knowledge. ESA scientists, engineers and astronauts contributed to key aspects of its development,\u00a0from measurement units and physics to instruments, scientific vocabulary and sound design, ensuring a credible portrayal of space exploration inspired by real missions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The project also explores new storytelling formats that extend the experience beyond the game itself. A fictional mission page on the ESA website presents the\u00a0Hope\u201101 mission, while a\u00a0mission patch\u00a0was developed especially for the occasion. Additional activations will further strengthen the connection between fiction and the realities of space exploration, reinforcing the project\u2019s educational and inspirational dimension.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Marking the first time a science\u2011fiction video game features an ESA mission, involving ESA astronauts in real\u2011life conditions, as its central narrative thread, Aphelion reflects the Agency\u2019s ambition to engage with cultural and creative industries and reach new audiences through innovative forms of science communication. Rooted in shared values between ESA and DON\u2019T NOD, the project supports ESA\u2019s\u00a0Strategy 2040, touching on themes of exploration, discovery and awareness of climate change.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cThis collaboration reflects ESA\u2019s ambition to work closely with creative partners to share the reality and values of space exploration in engaging ways,\u201d said Anne\u2011Sophie Bradelle, Head of ESA\u00a0Communication Department. \u201cBy reaching new audiences through immersive storytelling, this project helps inspire future\u00a0careers in space and supports ESA\u2019s recruitment efforts, with more than 400 positions planned to be published over the course of 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt has\u00a0been a privilege to have had the support of ESA and their teams throughout the development of Aphelion. This collaboration is further proof that video games can push the boundaries of fiction to reflect on our reality,\u201d said Oskar Guilbert, CEO of DON\u2019T NOD. \u201cESA has placed humanity, sustainability, and inclusivity at the heart of its mission, and we are proud at DON’T NOD to help raise awareness of their work among our players through the story of Ariane and Thomas.\u201d<\/p>\n Through\u00a0Aphelion<\/i>, ESA continues to explore how science, creativity and interactive storytelling can come together to share the excitement of space exploration and promote European culture.<\/p>\n Discover more:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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