ElementS of LUNA
Here is an overview of the equipment in the LUNA training hall. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Regolith test field
The regolith test field has an area of 700 square meters which is filled with the regolith simulant EAC-1A. Depending on requirements, the test field can be shaped with craters and hills as well as a completely smooth surface. Furthermore, rock samples off different relevant geological categories are available as well as permanently installed seismic and other sensors for providing reference data for experiments. The dimensions of the regolith test field are roughly 33m x 20m, with a regolith depth of 60cm (except for deep floor area, see below). Large rolling doors provide access for features/equipment with a maximum width of 4.00m and a maximum height of 5.25m. In order to prevent contamination in both directions, personal protection equipment will be provided and must be worn at all times when working in the test field.
Deep Floor Area
The Deep Floor Area is a part of the regolith test field with a depth that reaches down to three meters. The Deep Floor Area has dimensions of 10m x 14m. It contains an artificial lava tunnel at its bottom. In addition, various targets are buried in the regolith layer to simulate different structures relevant to scientific exploration, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and astronaut safety. For example, they can be used for the application and verification of various geophysical methods for subsurface imaging. The Deep Floor Area can be used to test sampling, excavation and drilling activities.
Ground Segment
The ground segment of the LUNA Analog Facility ensures local and remote operations of the LUNA facility, providing basic functionality of data, video, voice and monitoring & control information. It enables users and operators to execute their experiments/activities and integrates LUNA into the ground segment. The LUNA ground segment has three fixed cameras that are installed at a height of 5 meters and have low light capability as well as infrared vision. The integration of additional cameras is possible.
Users can connect their devices to the local Wi-Fi, with the possibility of Virtual Private Network VPN access of the equipment in the Hall from a remote device/location. Please note that it is not possible for experiments inside the regolith test field to communicate directly with the outside world. Internet access is only possible in the forehead building and is provided by ESA-IT.
The LUNA Analog facility also features a Voice Communications System that connects the control room with the personnel in the regolith test field, via DECT-based radios (belt packs) and smartphones and tablets that can be used via Wi-Fi.
Monitoring and Control System of LUNA (MCS-L)
User’s experiments can be integrated in the Monitoring and Control System of LUNA (MCS-L), which provides a variety of tools to display and command. Integration of the user’s experiment into the internal MCS-L data model is done via a formatted data sheet.
MCS-L is based on Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems CCSDS space packets. These will be exchanged between the experiment equipment and the MCS-L via Bundle Protocol over the LUNA Disruption Tolerant Networking DTN. Furthermore, there is also an interface for experiment equipment that does not comply with the CCSDS standard. Data from such equipment can also be integrated into the MCS-L.
After completion of a campaign, the recorded data of the experiment (including the LUNA environmental data) are available in raw binary format or, if fully integrated, also as decoded csv.
Rover
Two commercial rovers the size of a 3U (3 unit) cubesat standard are available to users, with 2U (2 unit) free to accommodate self-contained payload units.
Both rovers can be controlled through a web browser over the Internet, utilizing video streaming technology (perfect also for science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM activities).
At a later stage of their development they will be able to host a commercial on-board computer OBC and electrical power system EPS, to which users are able to connect their compatible hardware HW modules. Control and communication will then be routed either through the LUNA network or taken care of by users through their dedicated RF equipment.
A larger rover is currently under development and will be available to users in the future.
EVA Suits
For campaigns, two customized EXCON analog suits from Atlas Devices can be used which are available in the LUNA Analog Facility.
ESA Argonaut lander
The LUNA Analog Facility also features an European Large Logistics Lander – the ESA Argonaut lander – and will allow studies of ergonomics and mission planning (e.g. astronaut interactions, procedures and automation).
Sun Simulation
Basic Sun Simulation is provided in LUNA with a dedicated and adjustable lamp system. The temporary installation is based on high-performance studio lamp solutions and enables initial simulation of the lightning conditions in lunar polar regions. An even more powerful solution and permanent installation is currently being developed with Candelabra.
Crane
A portal crane with a load capacity of 3.2 tons is available in LUNA. It can reach any position in the regolith test field and can be used both to set-up the experiment equipment and to carry out the campaign, creating a “flying” experiment platform.
Dust Laboratory
The LUNA Dust Lab was built to allow for extreme dust exposure and testing of equipment under ambient environmental conditions. It also compliments the main LUNA test field by providing a secondary supply of simulant in the form of lunar highland, anorthositic type material originating in Greenland. Twenty tons of this material is available and the facility has a floorspace of approximately 4x4m, allowing for significant pieces of equipment to be subjected to the anorthosite dust.
Workshop
The workshop area of the LUNA Analogue Facility can be used by users with prior instruction and contains various tools
Visitor room
LUNA offers a visitor room for the media and the general public (as part of guided tours at the DLR-site in Cologne). It provides an insight into the regolith field as well as exhibits and information about the LUNA hall and lunar exploration. Visitors can even touch regolith with their hands. Information on public guided tours can be found here.
Please note that only the elements that have already been implemented in the LUNA Analogue Facility and are available to users are listed above. The following elements will be implemented in the near future:
- FLEXhab in Q1/2025
- Remote control MCS-L in Q2/2025
- RTG Mockup in Q3/2025
- Candelabra (sun simulator) in Q4/2025
- Motion detection via camera in Q4/2025
- EDEN LUNA in Q1/2026
- Gas laboratory in Q1/2026
- Moon zeppelin (ramp) in Q1/2026
- Puppeteer (gravity offloading system) in Q3/2026
XR in LUNA – The Future of Astronaut Training
In the coming years, LUNA will open up new possibilities for astronaut training through the use of Extended Reality (XR). XR technologies will enable the integration of virtual elements with the real environment, enhancing training capabilities.
With Mixed Reality (MR), the physical walls of the hall could visually disappear, replaced by a seamless continuation of the existing regolith terrain. This would make training even more immersive, creating the illusion of being on the Moon rather than inside a facility.
Additionally, it will become possible to work with physical low-resolution mock-up’s that are augmented with virtual components—such as technical elements that are still in development. The testing of new navigation techniques and innovative information displays could soon become a reality in LUNA, providing valuable insights for future lunar missions.
Motion Capture in LUNA
In 2025, the LUNA facility is set to be equipped with a high-precision motion capture system, further expanding its technical infrastructure. This system will allow for highly accurate tracking of movements of humans, robots, and custom objects, supporting new scientific experiments and technological advancements.
The integration of the motion capture system will enable biomechanical analyses under simulated lunar gravity conditions, such as studies on walking and jumping movements. It will also allow for precise tracking of robotic joints to analyse and refine their motion sequences. Moreover, the system will play a key role in XR applications by capturing realistic movement data and transferring it into the digital twin of the LUNA facility. This will significantly enhance the authenticity and accuracy of simulations and training.
