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NASA confirms that water ice is abundant on the Moon
Oct. 04, 2024.
2 mins. read.
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A new analysis of LRO data indicates that water ice is more abundant than previously thought near the lunar South Pole.
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A new analysis of NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) data indicates that water ice is more abundant than previously thought in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) near the lunar South Pole.
“We find that there is widespread evidence of water ice within PSRs outside the South Pole, towards at least 77 degrees south latitude,” says Timothy P. McClanahan in a NASA press release. “Our model and analysis show that greatest ice concentrations are expected to occur near the PSRs’ coldest locations below 75 Kelvin (-198°C or -325°F) and near the base of the PSRs’ poleward-facing slopes.”
A paper published in Planetary Science Journal describes the findings in detail.
The importance of the lunar South Pole
“Our results are highly relevant,” conclude the researchers in the Planetary Science Journal paper, “to the planned on-surface robotic and human investigations of the lunar surface by NASA’s Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions.”
In fact, NASA has identified 13 candidate landing regions near the lunar South Pole for Artemis III, which will be the first of the Artemis missions to bring crew to the lunar surface. Due to many considerations including the presence of water, the lunar South Pole region is considered the top candidate region for future research outposts and eventually settlements on the Moon.
“Ice would be a valuable resource for future lunar expeditions,” notes the NASA press release. “Water could be used for radiation protection and supporting human explorers, or broken into its hydrogen and oxygen components to make rocket fuel, energy, and breathable air.”
The importance of establishing crewed bases on the Moon is evident to us, the space enthusiasts persuaded that humanity must become multi-planetary as soon as possible. It should also be evident to politicians in the West, because if the West doesn’t lead the way, China will.
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4 Comments
4 thoughts on “NASA confirms that water ice is abundant on the Moon”
Well, Nasa reported and confirmed that there is water on moon as far back as 2020. However, Knowing it is abundance is inspiring. In 2020, Nasa reported water could be distributed across the lunar surface, even on sunlit portions, and not confined to cold, dark areas! Space is really fascinating and water on the moon's sunlit part... wow. Now we have this report confirming the water ice is abundant!
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Here they say "Ice is thought to be quickly lost on surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight, which precludes their accumulations" (press release).
But even if water is confined to permanently dark areas, no big deal, because there's plenty of permanently dark areas. Lunar South Pole, here we come! (I hope).
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I hope too. For me, and likely billions of others, space represents the future. It could also be a powerful unifier, fostering an attitude shift away from the tribal mentalities that divide us today.
Such news affirms that water is a common resource in space. With the right resources, science, and collaboration, the abundance of water ice on the Moon offers immense potential. I believe and hope, its direct impact could accelerate lunar exploration and even human settlement in the near future.
I can see at least three direct applications which are the foundations of space exploration and tera forming on Moon. This ice can be melted and purified for drinking water—critical for sustaining human life on the Moon. Additionally, by splitting water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen, we can produce breathable oxygen, making lunar colonies more feasible. Furthermore, this opens the door to lunar-based rocket fuel production, as hydrogen and oxygen from this ice could be used as fuel. This would make the Moon a strategic refueling point, reducing reliance on Earth and making space exploration more cost-effective.
If decision-makers can rise above the current competitive mindset and work towards unifying humanity, space could soon become our next great frontier.??
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Re "If decision-makers can rise above the current competitive mindset and work towards unifying humanity..."
I totally share your sentiment, but improving human nature will be harder than settling the next big frontier of space, and take much more time. We can't wait that long. We must get started on the road to the stars with people as they are.
Also, the game of politics as it is played today can be only be won by people with a competitive mindset. They inevitably rise to power, and gentler souls are inevitably forced out of the game.
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