Engineering Innovation in India
Chandrayaan -2 Discovers Water Reserves Inside Lunar Polar Crater
The Chandrayaan-2 mission, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has in May 2024 made a ground-breaking discovery that could redefine our understanding of the Moon. Recent findings from the mission have revealed the presence of substantial water reserves within the Moon’s polar craters. This discovery is a scientific triumph and opens up future possibilities of lunar exploration and long-term human habitation on the Moon. A collaborative effort between ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) and esteemed institutions such as IIT Kanpur, the University of Southern California, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, led to this significant finding. The study indicates that the subsurface ice in lunar polar craters is estimated to be 5 to 8 times more abundant than the surface ice, particularly within the first couple of meters. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. Accessing these water reserves will be a significant aspect of supporting future lunar missions. The study also sheds light on the regional disparities in water ice distribution. The northern polar region of the Moon boasts twice the amount of water ice compared to the southern polar region. This insight is invaluable for mission planning and site selection for future lunar expeditions. The methodology employed by the research team was comprehensive, utilizing seven instruments aboard NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). These included radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultraviolet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer, which collectively contributed to a deeper understanding of the origin and distribution of water ice on the Moon. The insights gained from this study are not only crucial for ISRO’s future in-situ volatile exploration plans on the Moon but also for selecting landing and sampling sites for missions aimed at exploring and characterizing lunar volatiles. As spacefaring nations around the world set their sights on the Moon, the presence of water ice becomes a strategic asset. It could potentially reduce the cost and complexity of lunar missions by providing in-situ resources, thereby accelerating the pace of space exploration. The discovery by ISRO scientists is a pivotal moment in our quest to understand the Moon and harness its resources. It is a reminder of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the spirit of collaboration that drives Chandrayaan -2.
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