Hydrogen found in Moon rocks! Groundbreaking discovery by Scientists working on Apollo mission samples
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Major Lunar Discovery
Scientists from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have made a groundbreaking discovery in Apollo moon rocks, revealing the presence of hydrogen for the first time.
Potential Lunar Resource
According to a study published in a peer reviewed journal, Communication Earth & Environment, the detected hydrogen, believed to be formed by solar wind and comet strikes, could become a valuable resource for future lunar missions, potentially aiding in life support and serving as rocket fuel.
NASA's Lunar Samples
NASA provided lunar soil sample 79221 to NRL researchers for analysis, leading to the identification of hydrogen. This finding opens up possibilities for utilising lunar resources for sustained human presence on the moon.
images source : nasa
Resource Utilisation on the Moon
NRL's lead author, Katherine Burgess, emphasises the importance of understanding and locating resources on the moon before establishing regular or permanent installations, highlighting the potential role of hydrogen in lunar surface activities.
Cost-Effective Moon Missions
With estimates suggesting high costs for launching water to the moon, the discovery of hydrogen in lunar rocks provides an alternative, cost-effective solution for in-situ water use by astronauts.
Ice Distribution on the Moon
Recent data from the retired SOFIA infrared telescope indicates that water on the moon may exist as ice across its surface, challenging previous assumptions about its distribution and accessibility.
Apollo Mission Implications
The discovery challenges the traditional focus on lunar rock collection near the equator, as opposed to the lunar south pole where many countries plan long-term presence. This has significant implications for the stability of hydrogen in regions beyond the poles.
Global Lunar Exploration
India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, particularly its robotic lander-rover duo near the lunar south pole, revealed the presence of sulphur, suggesting potential applications for developing storage batteries and infrastructure on the moon.
Future Lunar and Martian Exploration
The discovery of hydrogen in Apollo moon rocks not only offers prospects for sustained lunar presence but also hints at its potential role in fuelling journeys beyond the moon, possibly aiding in human missions to Mars and beyond.