Water is a crucial resource for humans to establish long-term settlements on the moon. However, transporting water from Earth is expensive and impractical due to its weight. Scientists are exploring alternative methods to produce or find water on the lunar surface.
A recent study published by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has revealed a promising solution. They analyzed lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission, which returned to Earth in 2020. This was the first time in 44 years that scientists obtained fresh samples from the moon.
The researchers discovered that these lunar soil samples contain minerals rich in hydrogen. They developed a groundbreaking method involving heating the hydrogen, which then reacts with other elements to create water vapor. Remarkably, one tonne of lunar soil could potentially yield between 51 and 76 kilograms of water – enough to sustain 50 people for a day.
This groundbreaking discovery aligns with China’s ambitious plans to build a permanent lunar base by 2035. The availability of water on the moon could significantly contribute to establishing sustainable living conditions and research facilities.
Furthermore, NASA administrator Bill Nelson has suggested that lunar water could be used as fuel for hydrogen rockets launching from the moon. This could significantly reduce the cost and increase the frequency of space travel between Earth and the moon.
China’s discovery presents a significant step towards unlocking the potential of the moon for human exploration and scientific advancement. The ability to extract water from lunar soil could transform our understanding of the moon and pave the way for future lunar settlements and missions.
