ATENEA Satellite - Artemis II Mission

This project is an end-to-end real-time cinematic and orbital simulation showcasing "ATENEA," a conceptual Argentine microsatellite mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Designed and executed entirely from scratch in Unreal Engine 5.7, this project explores the intersection of aerospace engineering visualization, real-time lighting, and cinematic storytelling—tracking the vehicle from coastal countdown and atmospheric ascent to payload deployment and zero-gravity orbital maneuvers.

My Role & Technical Execution:

End-to-End Real-Time Pipeline: Responsible for the entire visual and technical production, including scene architecture, lighting setup, camera sequencing, VFX, and post-processing in Unreal Engine 5.7.

Hard-Surface Modeling & Asset Optimization: While the base launch pad structure utilized a commercial asset, I extensively modified, re-modeled, re-UVed, and optimized it in Autodesk 3ds Max to achieve industrial-grade mechanical precision and ensure a clean, high-performance PBR shading workflow.

Advanced PBR Shading & Aerospace Materials: Developed custom shaders to accurately replicate complex space-grade materials, including reflective gold Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) foil with physical surface wrinkling, polycrystalline solar arrays, brushed aerospace alloys, and thermal shielding.

Volumetric VFX & Atmospheric Lighting: Implemented dynamic procedural volumetric cloudscapes for the rocket’s ascent, accurate Rayleigh atmospheric scattering for the orbital horizon, and high-contrast vacuum lighting simulating harsh solar exposure in deep space.

UI/UX & Telemetry HUD Integration: Designed and animated immersive cockpit UI interfaces, holographic countdown displays, and live flight telemetry to reinforce the scientific accuracy of the mission.

Software Stack: Unreal Engine 5.7 (Lumen, Sequencer, Volumetrics), Autodesk 3ds Max, Substance 3D Painter, Adobe Creative Suite.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Umc9Ny8wg-c