ESA title

VULCAN

Analogue Sample Facility

ESA’s Vulcan Facility is a geological repository and analytical laboratory focused on the research, curation, and characterisation of analogue samples.

Related technology development activities are also undertaken in the facility in collaboration with Spaceship.

Support

Validation and de-risking of low TRL technologies and key operational concepts

About

Vulcan holds a unique place in the European planetary science and exploration landscape

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Vulcan was originally created by the NHM in London and has been operated and developed by ESA since 2018. The facility is affiliated with the ECSAT site, located on the Harwell Campus in the UK. It is led by the ExPeRT team which is part of the HRE Programme Directorate and focuses on supporting long-term Lunar and Mars surface exploration.

GALLERY