New Method Discovered to Produce Water from Lunar Regolith

In recent days, CCTV (China Central Television) broadcasted a report in which CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) disclosed a significant scientific breakthrough. Chinese scientists, through an in-depth analysis of lunar samples obtained from recent lunar missions, have developed an innovative method for extracting water from lunar regolith.

Water on the Moon: a crucial resource for space exploration

Water represents a fundamental resource for future long-term lunar missions and potential human colonization. Its presence on the Moon could not only sustain astronauts’ lives but could also be split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel production and breathable air.

International space programs, such as NASA’s Artemis program, are focusing their efforts on the lunar poles, particularly the south pole, where permanently shadowed craters may contain significant deposits of water ice.

Research approach and key findings

Prof. WANG Junqiang’s team at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has made a significant breakthrough in lunar water production. Using samples from the Chang’E-5 mission, they developed a method to extract water from lunar regolith.

The strategy for in-situ production water from lunar regolith through the reaction between lunar regolith and endogenous hydrogen. Credits: NIMTE — *The strategy for in-situ water production on the Moon through the reaction between lunar regolith and endogenous hydrogen. Credits: NIMTE*

The researchers discovered that lunar ilmenite (FeTiO3) contains the highest amount of solar wind-implanted hydrogen among lunar minerals. When heated above 1,200 K, the regolith releases this hydrogen, which then reacts with iron oxides to produce water.

Remarkably, one gram of molten lunar regolith can generate 51-76 mg of water. This translates to over 50 kg of water from one ton of regolith enough to meet the daily needs of 50 people.

Electron irradiation promoting the reaction of H with ilmenite as a method of producing water from lunar regolith. Credits: NIMTE — *Electron irradiation promoting the reaction of H with ilmenite. Credits: NIMTE*

The team also observed that electron irradiation catalyzes this process, potentially explaining the varying distribution of water on the lunar surface.

Future implications

This discovery has significant implications for future lunar missions. In-situ water production could drastically reduce the costs and challenges of lunar exploration and colonization. The water could be used for drinking, agriculture, and even decomposed into oxygen for breathing and hydrogen for fuel.

This research not only advances our understanding of lunar chemistry but also brings us closer to establishing sustainable lunar bases.