The European ambition is to train all future Moon-bound astronauts at LUNA in Cologne, providing full simulation of a lunar mission on the ground in a relevant environment with the real tools and operations support. LUNA will also benefit from proximity to the facilities and expertise of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre and the DLR research institutes, such as the Institute of Space Operations and Astronaut Training with its experience in operating satellites and modules in space and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, including its :envihab facility, making it an attractive site for preparing humans to explore farther into space.

“The European Astronaut Centre together with its integrated team comprising DLR, CNES and ASI personnel currently offers astronaut training for the International Space Station, as well as analogue training in the field and underwater. LUNA will close a gap between the Space Station and existing analogue training to prepare for unique lunar challenges such as transport capabilities, surface mobility, communication setups and autonomy, and the harsh dust environment on the Moon,” explains Juergen.