The former Wujek coal mine in Katowice, Poland, which ceased extraction at the end of last year, is being considered for conversion into a unique research facility for space technology. The underground workings could be used to test robots, life-support systems, and other technologies being developed for future lunar and Martian missions.
The project, developed by Dr. Tomasz Rożek and Krzysztof Kurdyła from the Nauka. To Lubię foundation, envisages using deep mine shafts to create an installation that could achieve record-breaking periods of weightlessness on Earth. The concept also includes a Center for Space Technology and a modern Simulation Center for Space Settlement within the former mine.
According to the initiators, the facility could host research into human functioning in isolation, management of limited resources, life-support systems, as well as testing of robots and autonomous technologies. The plan also calls for retraining former mine workers as laboratory technicians, robot operators, or specialists in space infrastructure maintenance.
Underground chambers as a space simulator
The underground infrastructure of the former mine could become an exceptional place for conducting research and testing space technologies. Due to the natural conditions underground, there is no need to build specialized laboratories to simulate dust levels or limited GPS signal access – the former mine meets these conditions naturally.
– The underground workings of the mine provide an ideal test environment, which – unlike sterile laboratories – allows realistic simulation of conditions on the Moon or Mars: high dust levels, lack of GPS, isolation, stress – said Leszek Pietraszek, chairman of the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis.
– We have experience working in extreme conditions. For decades we have developed technologies that allow people to work safely in extremely difficult and hostile environments deep underground – added Pietraszek.
Retraining miners for the space sector
The project assumes that former miners will be retrained as laboratory technicians, robot operators, or specialists in space infrastructure maintenance. This would use the miners’ competencies in a completely new industry and help the region avoid potential labor market problems.
Similar facilities already operate around the world as preparation bases for future space missions. An advantage of the Silesian project is the combination of industrial infrastructure with the region’s scientific and technological potential. The province also has an international airport, and the mine itself is located in the center of the agglomeration, accessible by motorway from Ostrava, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, or Vienna within a few hours.
A regional hub for space technology
On July 13, a decision is to be announced regarding the location of a technological center of the European Space Agency (ESA). Among the candidates is the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis, which together with Katowice, provincial authorities, and regional partners argues that Silesia has all the assets to become one of Europe’s centers for space technology development.
– It is true. Locating the ESA center in our region would be a development impulse for many years. Such institutions attract specialists, companies, start-ups, research projects, and capital – stressed Pietraszek. The region already has a growing ecosystem of space-related companies, including KP Labs (AI systems for satellites), Future Processing and FP Instruments (software and electronics for space projects), Flytronic (satellite technology integration), and ICEYE (radar microsatellites).
– We must commission a feasibility study as soon as possible to answer at least some of these questions. The interest of ministries is very important to move this project forward, because the mine is in the process of liquidation and we cannot wait several years with a decision on using its infrastructure – appealed Pietraszek.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. SaskiaAcht / Shutterstock
