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.