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Chinese scientists have recently developed a novel technique to extract water from lunar soil, a breakthrough that could play a critical role in the future establishment of permanent human settlements on the moon. While some media outlets have sensationalized the discovery, the research itself is a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable lunar habitation.
Over the course of t by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Chinese scientists have recently developed a novel technique to extract water from lunar soil, a breakthrough that could play a critical role in the future establishment of permanent human settlements on the moon. While some media outlets have sensationalized the discovery, the research itself is a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable lunar habitation.
Over the course of three years, a team of Chinese researchers conducted in-depth studies of lunar soil samples, leading to the discovery that these samples contain significant amounts of hydrogen. The team found that by heating the lunar soil to temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, water vapor could be extracted from the material. This process presents a feasible solution for providing a steady supply of water to future lunar bases, reducing the need to transport large quantities of water from Earth, a process that is both prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging.
According to the researchers' calculations, each ton of lunar soil could yield around 50 kiloliters of water, an amount sufficient to meet the daily water needs of approximately 50 people. Moreover, the byproducts of this process, specifically the melted lunar soil, could be utilized as construction materials, such as bricks, for building lunar habitats.
This research was made possible through advancements in China's space exploration capabilities, particularly the Chang'e lunar missions. These missions have successfully brought back lunar samples, which have been invaluable for scientific research. The study involved experts from several leading Chinese institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, the Institute of Physics, the China Academy of Space Technology, the Harbin Institute of Technology, Nanjing University, and the Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory. Their collective efforts underline China's growing capacity and collaborative strength in the field of space exploration.
As space agencies around the world, including NASA and ESA, continue to plan for long-term human presence on the moon, the ability to utilize in-situ resources, like lunar water, is becoming increasingly crucial. China's contribution to this effort demonstrates the global nature of space exploration and the shared goal of advancing human presence beyond Earth.
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China National Space Agency
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