COLOGNE - The Moon now also exists on Earth - for the training of astronauts, the development of technologies, and the preparation of long-term missions: The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and the European Space Agency ESA have now jointly established the LUNA research facility. The LUNA hall contains, among other things, a simulated lunar surface spanning an area of 700 square meters. It is filled with 'Moon dust', which is strikingly similar to actual lunar regolith. The rocks and boulders are modeled on lunar geology and a solar simulator recreates the lighting conditions on the Moon. The LUNA Hall was officially opened on 25 September 2024, the German Aerospace Center reports. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
30 September 2024 - "LUNA will contribute to optimising our preparations for activities on the lunar surface through research into technologies and innovation for space exploration. This involves robotics as well as artificial intelligence, the utilisation of local resources and resource-conserving cycles all the way through to regenerative energy systems. LUNA provides a unique array of elements for scientific research and technological development under one roof. In its role as the 'Moon on Earth', LUNA will sustainably support activities on the Moon from Germany," says Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board.
European Space Agency (ESA" Director General Josef Aschbacher says, "The opening of LUNA marks a significant milestone in Europe's space exploration efforts. This unique 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."
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