ESA Opens Advanced Lunar Training Facility in Germany

The LUNA facility near Cologne replicates the moon's surface to prepare astronauts for future missions.

The LUNA facility at the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany, officially opened on September 25, 2024.
The facility simulates lunar conditions using 900 tons of ground-up volcanic rock and movable ceiling-mounted trolleys to mimic low gravity.
ESA has secured three spots on future moon missions under NASA's Artemis program, aiming for manned lunar missions by 2030.
The site will be used to test lunar rovers, practice walking in cumbersome spacesuits, and develop technologies for lunar exploration.
The facility's opening was delayed due to the pandemic and the discovery of protected lizards, requiring relocation before construction could proceed.