Researchers recreate the moon in Brisbane
Scientists have replicated the moon in Brisbane, creating a testing ground for future space exploration.
The new facility, designed by Australia's science agency CSIRO, will aid researchers preparing to head to the moon by mimicking the satellite's environment.
The new simulator will allow scientists to see how rovers and other machinery will fare on the moon's dusty surface and explore its challenges.
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The new simulator will see how machinery will fare on the moon's dusty surface, and explore its challenges. 9News
Dr Kimberley Clayfield, the director of CSIRO's space research program, said the unveiling of the new Insitu Resource Utilisation Facility (IRUF) was a step forward for Australian lunar exploration.
"It contains the materials which are a close simulant of what you find on the surface of the moon. It's a terrific addition to our space program here at CSIRO," Dr Clayfield said.
"Our ability to simulate the lunar terrain at this scale is an exciting advancement for the development of space technology in Australia."
Scientists in Brisbane have created a testing ground for future space exploration. 9News
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As researchers from the United State's Apollo program detailed, the fine dust that coats the moon is toxic and electrostatically charged, sticking to space suits and land rovers, providing challenges and risks for astronauts.
The Brisbane facility replicates these conditions and has a mission control unit for testing new technologies.
The new simulator will allow scientists to see how rovers will handle the moon's surface. 9News
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Project leader Dr Jonathon Ralston said the facility would help scientists prepare for the moon's challenges.
"It's really important to have a facility that you can test systematically, make sure it works in, so that any equipment you take to the moon is ultra reliable," Dr Ralston said.
The new facility, designed by Australia's science agency CSIRO, will aid researchers preparing to head to the moon by mimicking the satellite's environment. 9News
CSIRO also hopes it will eventually send Australian astronauts to explore the moon first hand.
Scientists have replicated the moon in Brisbane. 9News
"We want to send humans to the moon and onto Mars because they are capable of exploration that we just can't do with robots," Dr Clayfield said.
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