LUNA Analog Facility
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are jointly offering LUNA, a fundamental facility for the preparation of future human and robotic missions to the Moon at the Cologne site. With its unique infrastructure and the seamless integration into the campus, LUNA enables complex simulations for lunar surface activities of astronauts and robotic systems. LUNA thus is an important and relevant part within existing international capabilities.
LUNA establishes an internationally distinct and visible competence centre for Moon activities as German-European contribution to the continued exploration of space.
News
EDEN LUNA – keeping it cool with its new Thermal Control System
The EDEN LUNA plant growth facility has reached its first Assembly Integration and Verification (AIV) Milestone – the Thermal Control System (TCS) is installed and tested.
Robots train in LUNA for their work on the Moon
Robots on space missions can measure, build, analyse – and play a significant role in lunar exploration. But how well do they cope with the harsh conditions on the Moon? This is something that can be tested in the LUNA hall in Cologne.
LUNA at SpaceOps 2025
The 18th SpaceOps Conference took place in Montréal from 26 to 30 May 2025. LUNA was also present and it became clear how important LUNA has become for international space travel.
How to capture Moon landing videos – from grainy to HD
The next time astronauts land on the Moon, we will watch it in high-definition. The transmission will be in colour, digital and at up to 60 frames per second.
Simulated lunar mission with EUROHAB at the DLR-ESA LUNA facility
On April 8, 2025, Spartan Space conducted a week-long simulation of lunar surface operations at the LUNA Analog Facility, Europe’s new ‘Moon on Earth’ simulation center of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The planned experiments include intravehicular activities (IVAs) inside the habitat using equipment
The FLEXhab space habitat – Moon living on Earth!
I’m standing on the Moon, and something reminds me of home. Although I’m surrounded by darkness, grey dreariness and lots of dust and stones, something keeps bringing my thoughts back to our house in Chiemgau. I don’t see anything that resembles my cosy home, with its greens and blues, so
