A huge light building stands out among the green spaces, through which you can access a world that few have known up close until now: The earth is made of gray dust. H interspersed with small holes, sharp rocks, small depressions H big rocksWhile a Solar energy simulation It reproduces the alternation of day and night. It is called Luna And it’s there New gym for future spacewho Reconstructs the lunar environment on EarthIt was built by ESA and the German Space Agency DLR a short distance from ESA’s astronaut training centre in Cologne.
The structure, which was inaugurated on September 25, will allow… Experimenting with lunar exploration techniques And Astronaut training They are going to the moon. The goal is Facilitate research and testing of space technology under realistic conditions.and presented in this way Useful information for upcoming missions to the moon, like the one in the program Artemis promoted by NASA. Furthermore, the idea is to make this facility available to space agencies, universities and industries around the world..
For ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, “the opening of Luna represents a turning point.” turn A major contribution to European space exploration efforts. He added that this unique facility, with its ability to simulate lunar conditions, enhances our understanding of the Moon and prepares us for future missions.
The small moon on Earth occupies an area of Area 700 square meterswhere the lunar environment was replicated using 900 tons of basalt-derived volcanic rocks and granulesWorking on getting a material that mimics lunar soil. There is also an area where you can practice. Holes Up to three meters for sample collection, in which one is also simulated. permafrost layer.
the Control rooms It is connected in real time to other control centers in Europe and around the world, and is also planned to connect to the Lunar Gateway, a future space station in lunar orbit, or even the Moon itself to perform real-time mission simulations. They are also and Lunar gravity simulationIt is one sixth of what is on Earth and one Adjustable slope To test the ability to move on lunar slopes.
For Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, CEO of Dlr, “Luna will help improve our preparation for activities on the Moon by researching technologies and innovations for space exploration. This – from robotics and artificial intelligence to the use of local resources and resource conservation cycles to renewable energy systems – offers a unique combination of elements for scientific research and technological development under one roof,” she added.
“Luna represents an important step forward in our efforts to prepare for human exploration of the Moon and beyond,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “By replicating the Moon’s surface and providing vital information about surface processes, this structure will help us meet the challenges of future space missions.”
Reproduction © Copyright ANSA
“Internet trailblazer. Travelaholic. Passionate social media evangelist. Tv advocate.”
