Data from the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter is behind the major breakthrough
Indian scientists may have discovered new evidence of subsurface ice on the Moon, potentially paving the way for more lunar landings.
Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Physical Research Laboratory have analyzed data from the Chandrayaan-2 mission and found radar signatures consistent with buried ice inside four “doubly shadowed craters” in the moon’s south polar region, The Indian Express reported.
These are extremely cold regions of the lunar surface, as they never receive direct sunlight, making them ideal for preserving water ice. Temperatures in these spots could drop to around 25 Kelvin, or -248.15 degrees Celsius.
The data is from an imaging instrument on the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter that studies the lunar surface. The findings, which were made using advanced radar polarimetric analysis, were published in the journal npj Space Exploration on May 6.
The discovery may play a key role in future lunar exploration missions and help space agencies to identify potential ice-rich regions for manned lunar landings.
Water ice on the moon is considered one of the most valuable resources by lunar missions, as scientists see scope for converting it to drinking water, breathable oxygen, and rocket fuel, according to the Indian Express report.
The probable presence of the subsurface ice may result in more expeditions to the moon’s south pole.
ISRO has received approvals to develop its Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), which can be used in its future lunar missions.
