Reaching the moon involves numerous incremental advancements, such as the establishment of Europe’s latest LUNA training center. However, more progress is needed. The next milestone will be developing a moon gravity simulation facility.

If you wanted to create a version of the moon here on Earth, you’d require these three key components:

a substance resembling lunar regolith in chemical makeup like the moon’s soil specialized illumination to replicate the sun’s angle a device simulating the moon’s gravitational pull (which is one-sixth that of Earth’s gravity)

Plus, a gigantic enclosure to contain everything, resembling 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 progressed two-thirds of the way toward depicting the moon’s enigmatic terrain. However, one key component was still lacking.

The pitch-black environment was illuminated by a spotlight focused on two astronauts in full suits—Germany’s Matthias Maurer and France’s Thomas Pesquet.

Maurer and Pesquet traversed the hangar, which spanned 700 square meters (about 7,500 square feet) of simulated regolith. This material was derived from the volcanic soil of Italy’s Mount Etna, the Eifel region in Germany, as well as stones from Norway.

Armed with extended handled scoops, a mock-up moon buggy, and accompanied by a robotic canine, the duo simulated an exploration mission across the artificial lunar terrain for roughly 100 esteemed guests.

As they strolled along, the light beamed at a specific angle designed to mimic how the sun might impair an astronaut’s view when humans potentially revisit the moon in this decade.

However, they walked — not bounced as seen in the clips from
The 1969 Apollo 11 mission
— because LUNA lacks lunar gravity.

Gravity simulation: The missing component of the LUNA mystery

To the backdrop of a cinematic score, Maurer and Pesquet showcased how they would gather specimens and investigate a crater on the actual lunar surface. This demonstration served as an impressive display for the attending politicians and space agency representatives, who enthusiastically congratulated the astronauts with fist bumps for both television viewers and their production teams.

However, it seemed very terrestrial due to the lack of moonlike gravitational forces. This is an issue that the engineers haven’t managed to resolve yet.

Previously, astronauts have utilized parabolic flights and swimming pools to mimic and feel the conditions of zero or microgravity.

During parabolic flights, specially modified jets simulate weightlessness by climbing and diving at approximately 45 degrees, reaching high altitudes before plunging back down.

Swimming pools used for astronaut training are specifically designed, and the trainees carry out simulated activities in their space suits.

However, none of these solutions would be feasible at 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 need to picture them like dangling marionettes,” Casini stated.

Wires will be connected to the outside of the astronauts’ space suits, potentially tugging against them as they walk and holding them up when they leap.

The project remains in the prototype stage. Until it becomes available, Casini concurred: LUNA is an extremely costly sandbox. However, at some point, they will 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. This initiative aimed at simulating food production in frigid extraterrestrial conditions.

Next to the main hall, there’s an empty space that could potentially serve as a site for a future “LUNA 2” project or a simulated Mars training area.

The moon was brought down to Earth.

The LUNA Analog Facility has been under development for 12 years.
Maurer, who has logged 177 days in orbit,
He has been driving this idea since day one. He mentioned to SANGGRALOKA that the facility accurately depicted the conditions on the moon, despite lacking the gravity offloading system.

When I descend into the crater at the facility and am completely exposed to the sun’s rays, 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 differing circumstances they will face on the lunar surface.

A significant challenge involves the Moon’s regolith. According to Maurer, “This presents a substantial technical hurdle because it damages every piece of electronic gear, infiltrates mechanical components causing blockages, and even enters spacesuits. However, we have the capability to simulate these conditions for testing purposes.”

Links around the globe

LUNA has the capability to connect with mission control centers worldwide, including DLR in Cologne and the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) located in Munich, as well as NASA’s facilities in Houston, USA, and the International Space Station.

This indicates that simulations might be conducted from a distance, allowing NASA astronauts, such as those based in Germany, to undergo mission rehearsals guided by their teams located 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, a special advisor for political affairs at ESA.

LUNA lends credibility,” Schrogl stated. “While you might discuss missions to the moon and further into space, having merely a handful of rockets or a lander conceptualized isn’t enough. It’s crucial to possess such facilities to demonstrate your commitment.

In addition to supporting NASA’s Artemis mission, Europe aims to reach the Moon by the 2030s with its own efforts. The LUNA Analog Facility represents just one of several smaller initiatives aimed at making this vision a reality.

Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany

Author: Matthew Ward Agius