LUNA’s virtual leap towards the Moon

Training for the Moon

LUNA prepares astronauts, scientists and engineers for the challenges of working on the Moon. Located next to ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, the facility features a 700-square-metre terrain filled with 900 tonnes of basalt-based regolith (lunar dust) simulant. Teams can practise drilling, sampling and navigating under stark lighting, while mission control rooms enable realistic operational scenarios. 

Beyond the physical setup, VR and extended reality (XR) technologies take training further by providing a better sense of direction and movement in unfamiliar environments. These tools make it easier and more cost-effective to train for tasks like navigating the lunar surface, using robotic tools or assembling equipment – and often require less hardware and support personnel than traditional mock-up training. 

One of the biggest advantages of VR is how easily it can be adapted to different training needs. Trainers can simulate complex or dangerous environments, as well as objects too large to be physically present at LUNA – such as SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft system, the NASA-selected lunar lander for the Artemis III mission. VR also enables practice in scenarios where there’s no clear sense of direction, like working in microgravity or assembling structures in unconventional orientations. 

At the heart of these efforts is ESA’s Software and AI (artificial intelligence) division, which includes the XR Lab at EAC. “Extended reality lets us overcome many of the limitations of Earth-based training environments,” says Lionel Ferra, who leads the team. “At LUNA, we’re creating spaces where crews can prepare for the challenges of the Moon by testing equipment, refining procedures and training under truly mission-like conditions.”

Overcoming technical challenges

Creating this immersive experience is no small feat. One challenge is replicating the Moon’s extreme lighting: with no atmosphere, sunlight is harsh and shadows are pitch black, creating a high-contrast environment. While this could interfere with the optical tracking systems that current VR setups rely on, initial tests at LUNA showed promising results. The headsets used combine several types of sensors—including some that work outside the visible spectrum—and project infrared patterns to interpret depth. Together with smart algorithms, this allows the systems to function reliably even under these unusual conditions.

Lunar dust is another concern. The ‘homemade’ EAC-1A regolith simulant used at LUNA mimics the Moon’s fine, clingy and abrasive dust, which can damage equipment. Commercial VR headsets, which rely on cooling fans and adjustable components, are especially vulnerable. To counter this, the team is developing dust-proof headsets that also include breathing protection, keeping users safe while preserving performance. 

Tests have already shown that VR headsets are effective for training both in and out of a spacesuit. For future lunar missions, astronauts may rely on augmented reality (AR) or heads-up displays (HUDs) closely integrated with their suits during spacewalks, as well as more flexible hardware that can be used inside lunar habitats. 

The future of VR in lunar training

At present, mixed reality training at LUNA is mainly used by astronauts, trainers and space engineers, with plans to expand its use to ground support and mission teams, as well as for research and technology testing. 

Looking ahead, LUNA aims to revolutionise lunar mission training by blending physical and virtual environments, with plans to fully integrate the facility into a digital twin of the lunar landscape.

Lionel sees this as a significant step forward: "Immersive technologies like VR are not just changing how we train for space missions – they’re shaping how we explore entirely new worlds. By merging the digital and physical, we’re creating training environments that push the boundaries of what’s possible. LUNA is more than a training ground – it’s a testbed for the future of human spaceflight."

As we gear up for lunar missions, VR will continue to play a crucial role in preparing astronauts and mission experts for challenges on the Moon, with training developed at LUNA ensuring that Europe stays at the forefront of human space exploration.