ESA-DLR Lunar facility prepares for simulated exploration

ESA-DLR Lunar facility prepares for simulated exploration
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 26, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) inaugurated LUNA, a state-of-the-art lunar analogue facility, on September 25, 2024, in Cologne, Germany. The facility, located near ESA's European Astronaut Centre, is designed to simulate lunar surface conditions to support astronaut training and testing for upcoming lunar missions.

LUNA will serve as a vital tool for astronauts, scientists, engineers, and mission experts to prepare for future Moon missions, such as NASA's Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in over five decades. It will provide a controlled environment for research, development, and testing of space technology under lunar-like conditions.

"The opening of LUNA marks a significant milestone in Europe's space exploration efforts. This unique facility, with its ability to replicate lunar conditions, advances our understanding of the Moon and prepares us for future missions. We are proud to lead this project, which positions Europe at the forefront of lunar exploration and beyond, while also fostering international collaboration in space research," said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher during the inauguration.

The event was attended by key figures from the space and governmental sectors, including ESA's Director General Josef Aschbacher, Chair of the DLR Executive Board Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Hendrik Wust, Deputy Minister-President Mona Neubaur, Federal Government Coordinator for German Aerospace Anna Christmann, and representatives from NASA.

Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla emphasized LUNA's role in advancing space exploration: "LUNA will contribute to optimising our preparations for activities on the lunar surface through research into technologies and innovation for space exploration. This involves robotics as well as artificial intelligence, the utilisation of local resources and resource-conserving cycles all the way through to regenerative energy systems."

Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, highlighted LUNA's international collaboration benefits: "LUNA represents a major leap forward in our efforts to prepare for human exploration of the Moon and beyond. By replicating the lunar surface and providing vital insights into surface operations, this facility will help us address the challenges of future space missions."

The 700-square-metre LUNA facility features a realistic Moon-like terrain created with 900 tonnes of basalt-derived material known as regolith simulant. It also includes a deep drilling floor for subsurface sampling, a Sun simulator to replicate lunar day-night cycles, and advanced mission control integration capabilities.

Future enhancements will include a gravity offloading system to mimic the Moon's gravity and a ramp for testing mobility on lunar slopes. The facility will remain an open resource for global space agencies, research institutions, and space industry professionals.