Reaching the moon involves numerous incremental advancements, such as those seen at Europe’s newest LUNA training center. However, more work remains ahead. The next crucial step will be developing a lunar gravity simulation system.
If you aimed to replicate the Moon here on Earth, you’d require these three key components:
a substance resembling sand similar to regolith (moon dust) with specialized illumination replicating sunlight from an oblique angle along with a mechanism simulating lunar gravity (which is one-sixth that of Earth’s gravitational pull)
Plus, a gigantic receptacle to enclose everything, akin to a colossal steel shed.
When the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA) presented their interpretation of the Moon —
the LUNA Analog Facility
In late September 2024, they had reached two-thirds of their goal in depicting the moon’s peculiar terrain. However, one key component was still absent.
The pitch-black environment was illuminated by a spotlight focused on two astronauts clad in full suits—Germany’s Matthias Maurer and France’s Thomas Pesquet.
Maurer and Pesquet traversed the hangar, which spanned an area of 700 square meters (approximately 7,500 square feet) filled with synthetic regolith derived from the volcanic soil of Italy’s Mount Etna, the Eifel region in Germany, as well as stones from Norway.
Armed with long-handled scoops, a sample trolley, and accompanied by a robotic dog, the duo simulated an exploration of the mock lunar terrain before roughly 100 VIPs.
As they walked, the light shone from a precise angle to simulate how the sun would obstruct an astronaut’s vision when humans return to the moon, possibly this decade.
But they walked — they didn’t float as seen in video clips from
The 1969 Apollo 11 space mission
— Because LUNA lacks lunar gravitational force.
Gravity simulation: The missing component of the LUNA mystery
Accompanied by a film-like score, Maurer and Pesquet showcased the techniques they would use to gather specimens and investigate a lunar crater on the actual moon. This display served as an impressive show for government representatives and space agency dignitaries, who celebrated with the astronauts through congratulatory bumps of fists for the television audience and crew members.
But it felt so earthly without a moon-like gravity. It’s a problem the engineers have yet to solve.
Previously, astronauts relied on parabolic flights and swimming pools to mimic and get accustomed to the conditions of zero or microgravity.
During parabolic flights, specially modified jets achieve weightlessness by climbing and diving at approximately 45 degrees, reaching high altitudes and then plummeting back down.
Swimming pools used for astronaut training are specifically designed, and the trainees carry out simulated activities wearing their spacesuits.
However, none of these solutions would be feasible for the LUNA Analog Facility since it is located on solid ground.
Rather, engineers aim to create a “gravity offset system,” according to Andrea Emanuele Maria Casini, an aerospace engineer overseeing the LUNA project.
“You have to imagine it like hanging the astronauts as puppets,” Casini said.
Wires will be connected to the outside of the astronauts’ space suits, potentially tugging against them when they walk and holding them up as they leap.
The project remains in the prototype stage. Until its debut, Casini concurred: LUNA is an extremely costly sandbox. However, ultimately, they aim to test new technologies and train astronauts within a contained setting.
As the magic unfolds within,” stated Casini, “the landscape will assist the upcoming cohort of astronauts as they return to the moon.
Moreover, there is potential for growth. Adjacent to the LUNA Analog Facility, there are two extra components: a habitat simulator and a converted greenhouse from the EDEN ISS project, which tested plant cultivation in frigid extraterrestrial conditions.
Next to the primary building, there’s an empty space that could potentially serve as a site for a future “LUNA 2” mission or a Mars simulation area.
Moon brought down to Earth
The LUNA Analog Facility has been in development for 12 years.
Maurer, who has logged 177 days in orbit,
has driven idea from day one. He told the facility captured the realities of the moon, even without the gravity offload system.
When I descend into the crater within the facility and the sunlight hits me directly, it blinds me,” Maurer stated. Additionally, since he is inside the crater, the rim casts a shadow over everything ahead, leaving his view shrouded in darkness.
This is a stress test designed for astronauts, subjecting them to challenging and occasionally conflicting circumstances similar to those they’ll face on the moon.
A significant challenge involves the moon’s regolith. According to Maurer, “This poses a substantial technical hurdle because it damages every piece of electronic gear, infiltrates mechanical components causing obstructions, and penetrates spacesuits. All these aspects can be tested on Earth.”
Links around the globe
LUNA has the capability to connect with various mission control centers worldwide, including those such as DLR in Cologne and the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) located in Munich, along with facilities like NASA’s center in Houston, USA, and even the International Space Station.
This implies that simulations might be conducted from a distance, allowing NASA astronauts, for instance, to go through a mission rehearsal in Germany under the guidance of their team based in the United States.
Once operational, the LUNA Analog Facility will serve as a symbol of Europe’s dedication to space exploration, according to Kai-Uwe Schrogl, who serves as a special advisor for political affairs at ESA.
“[LUNA] provides credibility,” Schrogl said. “You can talk a lot about going to the moon and beyond, but if you only have a few rockets or a lander on the drawing board, then you are not really credible. You need such a facility to show that you are serious.”
Aside from aiding NASA’s Artemis program, Europe has its own ambition of getting to the moon by the 2030s. The LUNA Analog Facility is one of many small steps to achieve that goal.
Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
Author: Matthew Ward Agius
