ESA or DLR official announcements

ESA and DLR Open LUNA Analog Facility in Cologne for Lunar Training

Sep 25, 2024, 11:10 AM

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have officially opened the LUNA Analog Facility, a state-of-the-art lunar simulation environment, in Cologne, Germany. The facility, located next to the European Astronaut Centre, features a 700m² simulated lunar surface complete with rocks and regolith, a powerful sun simulator, and advanced mission control rooms. LUNA aims to prepare astronauts for future lunar missions by providing a realistic training environment. The facility is expected to advance space technology and potentially spark a 'European renaissance' in space exploration.