European astronauts are currently training for a lunar landing at the LUNA simulation facility in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for a moon exploration mission set for 2030.
Starting September 25, European astronauts began training for lunar missions at the LUNA simulation facility in Cologne, Germany.
The lunar surface simulation facility in Cologne, Germany, assists astronauts in preparing for future moon landings. (Photo: ESA).
This is a crucial preparatory step for Europe’s plan to send humans to the moon by 2030.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has negotiated for three positions in lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program.
At LUNA, astronauts Thomas Pesquet (France) and Matthias Maurer (Germany) have been testing their space suits and moving around the simulated lunar surface.
LUNA utilizes 900 tons of crushed volcanic rock to create a lunar-like surface covering an area larger than a basketball court. A hanging system from the ceiling simulates a low-gravity environment.
According to astronaut Alexander Gerst, this facility replicates “most of the conditions on the moon”, including the surface, dust, rocks, and lighting.
ESA Director Josef Aschbacher emphasized that LUNA “marks an important milestone in Europe’s space exploration efforts.”
The opening of LUNA was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the discovery of a protected lizard species, which required the facility to be relocated.
This facility will be jointly operated by ESA and the German Aerospace Center, serving multiple purposes such as testing exploration vehicles and practicing moonwalks.
NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish the first long-term human presence on the moon, with plans to send the first woman and the first person of color to the lunar surface.
