In September 2025, the first student-organized mission took place at the LUNA Analog Facility: The CASIMAR team tested innovative astronaut tools under simulated lunar conditions. From September 10 to 12, the team from the German National Association of Student Spaceflight (German: Bundesverband studentischer Raumfahrt e.V., short: BVSR) conducted its campaign to evaluate specially developed tools in an environment that realistically replicates the lunar surface. During three simulated extravehicular activities (EVAs), the tools were assessed for functionality, ergonomics, and handling in space suits.
Among the tools tested were a dust-resistant gripper and a modular multi-tool developed by the Stuttgart university group KSat e.V., as well as a closed rotary sieve from the Berlin group BEARS e.V. for soil sample separation. These tools were specifically designed to address the limited mobility and dexterity of astronauts in their suits.
The complex JONATHAN experiment by the Aachen group Moonaixperts e.V. carried out initial investigations into how larger equipment can be securely anchored on the lunar surface. The LUNA Analog Facility simulates the uppermost, loosely layered dust strata of the Moon – ideal for such tests.
A core objective of CASIMAR is the practical training of students in operational mission management, including the execution and coordination of astronaut activities in space. Prior to the campaign, the students completed VoCS (Voice Communication System) training at the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen to practice communication procedures and role allocation according to professional standards. They used authentic spaceflight communication systems, identical to those employed during real EVAs.
The campaign was led by Aileen Rabsahl and Timon Schwarz and supported by staff from DLR Space Operations and Astronaut Training. A particular highlight was the close collaboration with the Columbus Flight Control Team at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC), which maintained real-time communication with the analogue astronauts during simulations. This connection significantly enhanced the realism and operational character of the mission.
The three-day CASIMAR LUNA Campaign 1 delivered valuable insights for further tool development, EVA procedure optimization, and the training of future space professionals. With a very large external user group at the LUNA Analog Facility, the campaign also made an important contribution to commissioning and evaluating the facility’s capabilities.
