LUNA - Europe’s Moon on Earth

The ESA-DLR LUNA analogue facility has officially opened its doors in Cologne, Germany, right next to ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC).

This cutting-edge facility recreates the lunar surface where astronauts, scientists, and experts can train and test innovative technologies in preparation for future missions to the Moon. 

At the grand opening, visitors from the space sector and government officials had the opportunity to explore LUNA’s features. 

This collaborative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) serves as a fully integrated training and testing ground, simulating lunar-like conditions right here on Earth. It enables researchers to practise manoeuvring in these environments and test new technologies for the success of future missions to the Moon and beyond. 

At the heart of the facility is a 700-square-metre regolith testbed, built from simulated lunar dust and rocks. A deep floor area allows for sampling and drilling up to three metres below the surface and adjustable lighting replicates the Moon’s day-night cycle, closely mimicking environments on the lunar surface.  

LUNA is also equipped with specialised preparation rooms, a gas lab and dust chamber to investigate lunar dust behaviour and develop protective measures against its abrasive effects on spacesuits and equipment. Furthermore, control rooms can link in real-time with mission control centres, such as DLR’s MUSC and GSOC, for seamless simulations. 

Additionally, LUNA houses the Future Lunar Exploration Habitat (FLEXHab), a replica of  a lunar base where astronauts will live and work. The facility will also integrate the LUNA-EDEN greenhouse where astronauts will grow plants, as well as a high-tech gravity offloading system that simulates the Moon’s gravity – one-sixth that of Earth’s. 

As an open hub for international space agencies, researchers, and innovators, LUNA is ready to help shape the future of lunar missions, providing an exciting glimpse into what life and work on the lunar surface might look like in the not-too-distant future.  

For more information, visit the LUNA website. Check out the infographic for a visual overview of the facility, and listen to the latest ESA Explores podcast episode for more!