MOON’S HIDDEN WATER: A GAME CHANGER

Syllabus:

GS-3:

  • Advancement in the field of Science and technology
  • Space technology.

Why in the News?

  • A new study based on Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander data suggests that water ice may be more accessible on the Moon than previously believed.
  • The study, conducted by researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, provides insights into temperature variations on the Moon’s surface and subsurface.
  • The findings, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment (March 6, 2024), could aid future lunar exploration and habitation plans.

MOON’S HIDDEN WATER: A GAME CHANGER

Key Findings from Vikram Lander’s Data

1. Temperature Variations on the Moon

  • Using the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), the study recorded extreme temperature differences at the Moon’s south pole region (Shiv Shakti point).
  • Peak daytime temperature at the site was 82°C, while nighttime temperatures dropped to -181°C.
  • Significant variations were observed even over a metre’s distance—one spot recorded 82°C, while another, just a metre away, was 58°C.
  • This suggests that temperature fluctuations at small scales may create environments where water ice can stabilize.

2. Role of RTD Sensors in Temperature Analysis

  • ChaSTE is equipped with 10 platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensors, which measured temperature variations up to 10 cm depth.
  • The instrument directly measured lunar soil temperatures for 10 Earth days (August 24 – September 2, 2023).
  • Scientists used a 3D thermophysical model to analyze day-night temperature variations, crucial for understanding water ice stability.

3. Potential for Water Ice Stability

  • Scientists previously believed water ice remained stable only at the Moon’s poles.
  • The study found that certain high-latitude locations with slopes facing away from the Sun could maintain lower temperatures, making water ice migration and accumulation possible.
  • Slopes with a tilt of more than 14° were found to maintain temperatures suitable for water ice stability.
  • This expands the potential areas where future lunar missions could extract water for human use and rocket fuel.

4. Importance for Future Moon Missions

  • The US, China, Russia, and India are working on long-term lunar stations, making on-site water availability crucial.
  • The findings suggest water ice could be found in more areas than just the poles, easing resource constraints for future lunar habitats.
  • The discovery also reduces technical challenges, as exploring high-latitude regions is easier than reaching polar extremes.

5. Advancing Lunar Science and Exploration

  • This is the first-ever in-situ temperature measurement at a high-latitude lunar region, providing accurate surface and subsurface temperature data.
  • The study’s model can help predict water ice locations across different lunar terrains.
  • Scientists are now analyzing how lunar soil properties affect heat absorption and retention, improving understanding of lunar thermophysical properties.

Significance of the Study

1. Expanding Lunar Water Accessibility

  • The study challenges previous assumptions that water ice is stable only at the Moon’s poles.
  • It identifies new areas where ice may exist in accessible quantities, increasing the feasibility of human settlements on the Moon.

2. Supporting Sustainable Space Exploration

  • Moon water could be used for astronaut survival and fuel production, reducing reliance on Earth’s resources.
  • Rocket fuel production using lunar water could make deep-space exploration more cost-effective.

3. Strengthening India’s Lunar Research Capabilities

  • This study highlights ISRO’s growing capabilities in lunar exploration.
  • The data will help India contribute to global space exploration efforts, such as NASA’s Artemis program and future international moon bases.

4. Improving Scientific Understanding of the Moon

  • The findings enhance our knowledge of lunar geology and climate.
  • Understanding temperature variations is critical for designing lunar habitats, rovers, and exploration equipment.

5. Boosting India’s Role in Space Diplomacy

  • India’s successful lunar exploration strengthens its position in global space collaborations.
  • The findings may lead to joint missions with countries like the US, Japan, and the European Union.

Implications for Future Lunar Missions

  • Enhanced Site Selection – The discovery of water ice beyond the poles expands potential landing and habitation zones.
  • Resource Utilization – Extracting water from multiple locations supports long-term lunar exploration.
  • Reduced Dependence on Earth – Moon-based water can be used for astronaut consumption and fuel production.
  • Sustainable Lunar Economy – Availability of water ice paves the way for space mining and resource management.
  • Boost to Global Space Missions – Findings aid international collaborations for future lunar bases.

India’s Growing Role in Lunar Exploration

  • Scientific Leadership – Chandrayaan-3 strengthens India’s position in global space research.
  • Technological Advancements – ISRO’s in-situ experiments enhance expertise in planetary exploration.
  • International Partnerships – Data from Chandrayaan-3 benefits collaborative space missions.
  • Future Lunar Programs – The findings provide a foundation for India’s next lunar missions.
  • Economic and Strategic Gains – Success in lunar research boosts India’s space economy and global standing.

Conclusion

The Chandrayaan-3 findings redefine lunar water accessibility, indicating that water ice may exist beyond the Moon’s poles. This enhances the feasibility of sustainable lunar habitation and deep-space missions. By advancing India’s space research, the study strengthens global lunar exploration efforts and promotes space resource utilization for future missions.

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the significance of Chandrayaan-3’s findings on lunar temperature variations. How can these discoveries aid future lunar exploration and human settlement plans? (250 words)