INTERNEWSTIMES.COM
Germany has taken a giant leap in space exploration by opening a highly accurate replica of the Moon’s surface, designed to train astronauts from around the world for future lunar missions. The new facility, called LUNA, is located near Cologne, Germany, and was built by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) over a decade.
LUNA is meticulously crafted to mimic the conditions of the lunar surface. The facility boasts 900 tons of simulated regolith, a volcanic ash dating back 45 million years found in the Eifel region, to replicate the dusty environment and mobility challenges astronauts will face on the Moon.
Beyond the surface simulation, LUNA is equipped with a specialized lighting simulator to recreate the Moon’s day-night cycle. ESA also plans to introduce a gravity offloading system that will allow astronauts to practice moving in one-sixth Earth’s gravity, similar to what they’ll experience on the Moon.
LUNA serves as a training ground not only for astronauts but also for testing robotic systems, scientific activities, and energy systems. Researchers will utilize the facility to understand the impact of lunar dust on equipment destined for the Moon and to develop solutions that can improve life on Earth.
The opening of LUNA marks a significant step in preparation for NASA’s Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon by the end of this decade. The facility will help train astronauts for crewed lunar missions and for establishing a permanent research presence on the Moon. (Red)
