Europe is taking strides to lead in lunar missions with the creation of a training facility near Cologne, Germany. The Luna facility covers almost 1,000 square meters and reproduces the lunar surface to prepare astronauts for future missions. The facility will contain 900 tonnes of lunar dust and rocks sourced from Norway, Germany, and Italy to create a realistic simulation of the Moon’s surface.
By 2026, the facility will include a structure to mimic the Moon’s gravity, allowing astronauts to move around as if they were on the lunar surface. A simulated lunar base will also be attached for extended mission training. The facility will also replicate the unique light conditions at the Moon’s poles where there is no atmosphere, creating sharp contrasts between darkness and light.
The Luna facility is not only for astronaut training but also for manufacturers to test equipment such as rovers and spacesuits in extreme conditions. The goal is to ensure that equipment works effectively on Earth before being used on the Moon, saving time and money. Engineers and astronauts aim to test technologies in realistic environments to perfect tasks distribution between astronauts, robots, and ground teams.
The project, a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the German Aerospace Centre, has caught the attention of delegations from the United States, Japan, and Canada. The designers aim to give astronauts the experience of having one foot on the Moon through this pioneering initiative launched over a decade ago.
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