Reaching the moon involves numerous incremental advancements, similar to what Europe’s latest LUNA training center aims to achieve. However, more work remains ahead. The next major milestone will be developing a moon gravity simulation system.

If you wanted to replicate the Moon here on Earth, you'd require these three key components:

a sandy material with a chemical composition like regolith (lunar soil) special lighting to mimic the angle of the sun a moon gravity simulator (the moon's gravity is one-sixth of the Earth's gravity)

Plus, a gigantic enclosure to contain everything, similar to a large metallic 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 absent.

Pitch darkness was broken by a spotlight trained on two fully-suited astronauts — Germany's Matthias Maurer and France's Thomas Pesquet.

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

Armed with extended 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 VIPs.

As they strolled along, the lighting was positioned at a specific angle to mimic how the sun might hinder astronauts' visibility when humanity returns to the moon, potentially as soon as this decade.

However, they walked — not bounced as seen in video 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 an evocative film score, Maurer and Pesquet showcased how they planned to gather specimens and investigate a lunar crater on the actual moon. This display captivated 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 so terrestrial due to the lack of moon-like gravity. This is an issue that the engineers haven't managed to resolve yet.

Previously, astronauts have employed parabolic flights along with swimming pools to mimic and get accustomed to the conditions of zero or microgravity.

During parabolic flights, specially modified jets simulate weightlessness by climbing to and diving from peak heights at approximately 45-degree angles.

Swimming pools used for astronaut training are also specifically designed, with astronauts practicing simulated activities in their suits.

However, none of these alternatives 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.

"As if you were suspending the astronauts like marionettes," Casini stated.

Wires will be connected to the outside of the astronauts' space suits, probably exerting tension when they walk and holding them aloft when they leap.

The project remains in the prototyping stage. Until it becomes available, Casini concurred: LUNA is an extremely costly sandbox. However, ultimately they will aim to test new technologies and train astronauts within a contained setting.

Casini stated, 'The magic occurs within.' He added that the landscape would assist the upcoming cohort of astronauts in returning to the moon.

Moreover, there’s 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 primary building, there’s an empty space that could potentially serve as a site for a future "LUNA 2" mission or a simulated Mars training area.

The moon was brought down to Earth

The LUNA Analog Facility has undergone development for 12 years. Maurer, who has logged 177 days in orbit, He has been driving this idea since day one. He stated to Sport Bangjothat the facility accurately depicted the conditions on the moon, despite lacking the gravity offset 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, all objects before him are shrouded in shadows created by the rim of the crater.

This stress test subjects astronauts to challenging and occasionally conflicting circumstances similar to those they'll face on the lunar surface.

An additional challenge stems from the Moon’s regolith. According to Maurer, “This presents a significant technological 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 those such as DLR in Cologne and the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) located in Munich, as well as NASA’s facilities in Houston, USA, and even the International Space Station.

This implies that simulations might be conducted from afar, allowing NASA astronauts, such as those based in Germany, to go through 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, an advisor specializing in political matters at the European Space Agency.

[LUNA] lends credibility," Schrogl stated. "While many discuss missions to the moon and further into space, having just a handful of rockets or a lunar lander on paper isn’t enough. It’s essential 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 initiatives. The LUNA Analog Facility represents just one of several smaller efforts toward this objective.

Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany

Author: Matthew Ward Agius