The Moon may be 384,400km away, but an accurate replica of its surface has opened in Germany. Astronauts from around the world will use it to train for visits to the moon.

The European Space Agency is preparing for future moon missions by opening a new training facility in Germany. The LUNA facility, designed to simulate lunar conditions, will allow astronauts to practice walking on a moon-like surface and test lunar technology.

Europe is seeking to place itself at the forefront of missions to the Moon with a facility covering almost 1,000 square metres that reproduces the lunar surface to train astronauts for future missions.