Ars Electronica Solutions brings space exploration to life
The Paris Air Show, also known as the Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace de Paris-Le Bourget, was one of the world’s most significant and longstanding aerospace trade fairs. From June 16 to 21, 2025, it once again brought together leading industry representatives and showcased innovative technologies and forward-looking developments.
The European Space Agency (ESA), celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was represented with a Space Pavilion that provided insights into its current missions and strategic goals. The spatial and immersive concept was developed by Ars Electronica Solutions together with ANY:TIME Architekten, with WHM Projects and Stefan Angelstein with team responsible for implementation on behalf of ESA. The overall idea and narrative concept were developed from ESA Communication in cooperation with Ars Electronica Solutions, who also contributed the digital design, software, sound, and interactive experience of the Pavilion.
The Space Pavilion combined interactive elements, physical exhibits, light, sound, and storytelling to offer visitors an engaging and informative experience. The multisensory staging by Ars Electronica Solutions made complex content accessible and presented space exploration in an immediate and immersive way.
At the center of attention was ESA’s new strategy until 2040, which highlights the growing importance of space exploration for society, the environment, and the economy through five overarching goals.
A highlight: the AI Infinity Space
A key feature of the Pavilion is the AI Infinity Space—a specially staged room dedicated to current and future applications of artificial intelligence (AI) at ESA. Visitors experience how AI is already supporting space operations: from processing large volumes of data and autonomous spacecraft navigation to rapid disaster response
A central part of this experience is the Hera Space Companion, developed by Impact AI and integrated by Ars Electronica Solutions. The interactive installation allows real-time conversations via microphone and switches seamlessly between audiovisual content and live dialogue with the Hera space mission—demonstrating new modes of communication between humans and machines in the context of space.
