Installation of the network and video infrastructure

Our mission? A team from Oberpfaffenhofen – consisting of video engineers Heike and Ilinca and network engineer Uwe – spent a week in Cologne to set up the perfect technology in the LUNA hall and optimise the lunar simulation for future astronaut experiments and training sessions.

After a punctual arrival of the train and a welcome coffee boost, we explored the LUNA Facility and set up our temporary workplace. The first day consisted of unpacking and sorting the hardware and installing the devices in the racks. The next day, cabling and configuration were on the agenda – everything was neatly labelled and some parts lost their shine with black paint to blend in perfectly with the dark surroundings of the hall.

Then came the big set-up day: cameras, infrared spotlights and network equipment such as routers and access points were installed in the LUNA hall itself. Although this was initially only a temporary solution, as the saying goes: “Nothing lasts longer than a temporary solution”. We are curious to see how long this temporary solution will last.

On the last day, we carried out the final configurations, tidied up and packed the tools for return shipment. To round things off, we treated ourselves to a visit to the Moulin Rouge musical – a lucky find of cheap tickets made the evening perfect.

Our week was a complete success: the network and video transmission are running smoothly and the first live transmission from the LUNA hall is already being received. This week was not only productive, but also a fun and enriching experience for our team.