Ice on moon: ISRO
According to a recent study, the volume of subsurface ice in the first few meters is estimated to be five to eight times greater than the amount found at the surface in both polar regions, as stated by ISRO.
The study was conducted by scientists from the Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO, in partnership with researchers from IIT Kanpur, University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. According to an ISRO statement, the recent findings indicate that the volume of subsurface ice in the first couple of meters is approximately five to eight times greater than the amount present at the surface in both polar regions.
The space agency emphasized that drilling on the moon to sample or excavate the ice will be crucial for future missions and establishing long-term human presence. Additionally, the statement noted that the study indicates the extent of water ice in the northern polar region is twice that of the southern polar region.
The study confirms the hypothesis that the main source of subsurface water ice in the lunar poles is outgassing during volcanism in the Imbrian period, according to the statement. Additionally, the results suggest that the distribution of water ice is likely influenced by “Mare volcanism” and preferential impact cratering.
The research team utilized seven instruments onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, including radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultraviolet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer, to analyze the origin and distribution of water ice on the Moon.
“Accurate understanding of the distribution and depth of water ice in the lunar poles, as revealed by the studies, is essential for reducing uncertainties in choosing landing and sampling sites for missions focused on exploring and characterizing lunar volatiles,” the statement emphasized.
