A fire at a contractor facility has disrupted the deployment of the EDEN-LUNA greenhouse, a project designed to simulate crop cultivation for lunar and Martian missions. The incident occurred during the refurbishment of the containerized unit, forcing a revision of the project timeline.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2026, the installation at the LUNA facility in Cologne is now deferred to the second quarter of 2027. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) confirmed the new timeline in September, though the cause was only disclosed following a parliamentary inquiry.
The project evolves from the EDEN ISS greenhouse, which operated in Antarctica from 2018 to 2022. After being returned to Germany in April 2023, the unit underwent upgrades at the Institute of Space Systems in Bremen, including new robotic assistance and nutrient recovery systems.
The LUNA facility, a joint venture between DLR and the European Space Agency, opened in September 2024. It spans 700 square metres of simulated lunar terrain and serves as a testing ground for space technologies and astronaut training.
