Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Credit: ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Centre are exploring the possibility of recreating the moon on Earth at the LUNA Analog Facility located at the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne, Germany.
Credit: ESA
The facility features 900 tonnes of ground-up volcanic rock, which is used to simulate the lunar surface. This material is essential for creating an environment that closely resembles conditions on the moon.
Scientists aim to replicate the moon's low-gravity environment using movable ceiling-mounted trolleys that follow the movements of rovers or suspended astronauts, allowing for realistic training experiences.
ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst highlighted that the facility aims to provide “most aspects that we will encounter on the moon,” including lunar dust, rock formations, and challenging lighting conditions.
The LUNA facility spans a 700-square-meter area, where astronauts from ESA, NASA, and other space agencies can practice living and working in conditions similar to those on the moon.
The artificial regolith created for the facility is made from volcanic soils sourced from the Eifel region in Germany, Mount Etna in Italy, and various rocks from Norway, contributing to the simulation of the moon's dusty environment.
Astronauts, including Germany's Matthias Maurer and France's Thomas Pesquet, demonstrated how the facility replicates the sunlight on the moon, which can affect visibility. They also practiced exploring craters and collecting samples.
The ESA has secured three spots in NASA's Artemis program, which aims for a lunar mission in 2030. Currently, ESA relies on NASA and other partners for sending its astronauts into space, making the LUNA facility a critical step in preparing for future missions.