Ibadan, 26 September 2024. – The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) have jointly inaugurated LUNA, a lunar analog facility that both parties will operate. The inauguration took place on 25 September in Cologne, Germany.
LUNA features a 700-square-meter area that replicates the lunar surface using 900 tonnes of basalt-derived volcanic grains and rocks, processed to create ‘regolith simulant’, providing a unique testing environment. Likewise, a deep floor area will enable drilling and sampling up to three metres below the surface, enabling research on regolith including frozen lunar soil. LUNA also includes a Sun simulator that mimics the day and night cycles on the Moon.
The facility, which aims to recreate the lunar surface, is next to ESA’s European Astronaut Centre and will help prepare astronauts, scientists, engineers and mission experts for living and working on the Moon. Furthermore, the facility will facilitate research, development and integrated space technology testing under realistic conditions, providing valuable insights for upcoming lunar missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program.
ESA and DLR intend to connect the analog facility to the Lunar Gateway, or even the Moon itself for seamless mission simulations in the future. Likewise, additional features like a gravity offloading system to simulate the Moon’s one-sixth of Earth’s gravity and an adjustable ramp for testing mobility on lunar slopes will soon equip the facility.
Speaking about LUNA, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said, “The opening of LUNA marks a significant milestone in Europe’s space exploration efforts. This 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.”