Cologne becomes the moon: the latest training hall for astronauts opened!

Cologne becomes the moon: the latest training hall for astronauts opened!

The preparations for future lunar missions are in full swing in the heart of Cologne. Astronauts and technologies are made fit at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the innovative simulation hall "Luna". This facility, which was opened on September 25, 2024, is a joint project between the DLR and the European Space Organization (ESA) and is a decisive development for European space travel. The focus is on the training of astronauts and the development of new technologies for long -term missions on the moon.

The hall itself is an impressive testimony of modern science. A realistic surface of moon is reproduced on 700 square meters, which is equipped with artificial "moon dust", broken down in the Siebengebirge, and geological structures. This regolith, the properties of which are modeled on the real moon material, enables the astronauts to develop a feeling for the moon surface and to train under almost authentic conditions. This depends in particular on the understanding of the special lighting conditions, which are generated by a solar simulator, which is to go into operation from the second half of 2024.

technological progress and new approaches

Another highlight of the "Luna" hall is the new "Gravity Offloading System", which includes installed facilities in order to reproduce the lesser attraction of the moon. In this controlled environment, astronauts can test stumbling on different tendencies, supported by a crane and rubber ropes that simulate the weight.

In addition, the hall will serve as test grounds for new technologies. A fascinating example is the "Luna-Eden" greenhouse, which is supposed to produce fresh vegetables. This greenhouse, which was previously successfully operated in Antarctica, is equipped with a robot arm that is intended to support the crops of the plants. According to those responsible, the goal is to create a closed cycle for oxygen, water and food, which is particularly important for future moon missions.

The direction of the future space travel

The renewed concentration on the moon is part of a larger global trend. With the successful landing of a Chinese probe on the earth -facing side of the moon in 2024 and the plans of NASA to bring people back to the moon until 2030, the challenges and opportunities have grown suddenly. The next steps of NASA include the "Artemis 2" mission, which is planned for 2026. The SpaceX project "Starship" also carried out several test flights last year, whereby the view of private space companies is becoming increasingly important.

"Luna" will not only prepare astronauts from Europe. The DLR plans to make the facility for national and international research institutions, space agencies as well as universities and industrial companies accessible. In addition, the hall will also be ideal for the development of robotics, artificial intelligence and regenerative energy systems. Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst emphasizes that North Rhine-Westphalia as a central location for aviation technology will play an important role in the upcoming era of space research.