Innovative approaches advance search for ice on the moon

Innovative approaches advance search for ice on the moon

Scientists and space explorers have been on the hunt to determine where and how much ice is present on the moon. Water ice would be an important resource at a future lunar base, as it could be used to support humans or be broken down to hydrogen and oxygen, key components of rocket fuel.

Space scientists and explorers have been hunting to determine where and how much ice is present on the moon. Water ice would be an important resource in a future lunar base, as it could be used to support humans or be decomposed of hydrogen and oxygen, key components [...]

There is water in the Moon's subsurface, but there seems to be much less on the far side than on the near side. This is what a Chinese team reveals in the journal Nature. The difference, these researchers write, is possibly related to the topography of the two hemispheres. The far side is riddled with craters. The near side, that is, the one that is continually turned towards us, contains many smooth regions—those called "seas." A troubled origi…

Groundbreaking Methods Propel Lunar Ice Exploration

Scientists and researchers have intensified their search for ice on the Moon, recognizing its significance for future lunar missions and potential colonization. Water ice is not merely a resource for sustaining human life; it also holds the promise of being converted into hydrogen and oxygen, essential components for rocket fuel. As humanity prepares for deeper ventures into space, understanding the location and extent of lunar ice becomes imper…

DARPA Eyes Orbital Mission to Map Lunar Water Ice

DARPA wants industry to design a small orbiter to map water ice across the Moon—and test technologies for autonomous navigation in perilously low lunar orbits. Spot the ice: The program—Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO)—seeks to design, test, build and deliver a spacecraft that can identify regions that are at least 90% likely to have at least 5% water. The data collection mission would span four years or less after arrival in luna…