TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: A recent study conducted by Indian space scientists, in collaboration with various institutions, including ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), sheds light on the enhanced possibility of water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon.
EXPLANATION:
- This research unveils significant findings regarding the distribution, depth, and origin of water ice, utilizing advanced instruments aboard the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
- The study represents a collaborative effort between ISRO’s SAC, IIT Kanpur, University of Southern California, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
- This collaborative approach underscores the importance of pooling expertise and resources to unravel the mysteries of lunar water ice.
Magnitude of Sub-Surface Ice
- One of the key revelations of the study is the substantial presence of sub-surface ice in the polar regions, surpassing the amount found on the surface by a significant margin.
- The research indicates that within the first couple of meters beneath the surface, the quantity of ice is estimated to be five to eight times larger than that on the surface.
- Such findings underscore the potential abundance of water resources that could support future lunar exploration endeavors.
Regional Disparities
- Furthermore, the study highlights regional disparities in the distribution of water ice, with the northern polar region exhibiting twice the extent of ice compared to its southern counterpart.
- This geographical variation in ice distribution provides valuable insights for strategizing future missions and establishing long-term human presence on the Moon.
Origins of Lunar Water Ice
- Confirming previous hypotheses, the study attributes the primary source of sub-surface water ice in lunar poles to out-gassing during volcanism in the Imbrian period.
- This establishes a crucial link between lunar geological processes and the formation of water ice deposits, enriching our understanding of the Moon’s evolutionary history.
Factors Influencing Ice Distribution
- The research elucidates that the distribution of water ice is influenced by mare volcanism and preferential impact cratering.
- These geological factors play a significant role in shaping the spatial distribution of ice deposits across the lunar surface, offering valuable clues for identifying potential landing and sampling sites for future missions.
Instrumentation and Methodology
- To unravel the mysteries of lunar water ice, the research team employed a sophisticated array of instruments onboard the NASA LRO.
- These instruments include radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer.
- Leveraging the capabilities of these instruments enabled comprehensive analysis and mapping of water ice distribution across the lunar poles.
Implications for Future Exploration
- Accurate knowledge of the distribution and depth of water ice occurrence presented in the study is paramount for informing future exploration missions.
- By mitigating uncertainties in site selection for landing and sampling, these findings pave the way for more targeted and successful lunar exploration endeavors.
- Additionally, the study bolsters ISRO’s future plans for in-situ volatile exploration on the Moon, reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing lunar research and exploration.
ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC):
- Space Applications Centre (SAC) is a major research and development centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- It plays a key role in realizing vision and mission of ISRO. Located at Ahmedabad, SAC is spread across two campuses having multi-disciplinary activities.
- The genesis of the centre dates back to 1966, with establishment of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), by late Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad.
- It was an experimental Earth Station and training centre where scientists and engineers of India and other developing countries could receive training and firsthand experience in the design, development and operations of an earth station for communications and broadcasting.
- Later in 1972, the different units of ISRO in Ahmedabad pursuing research in applications of space technology were merged to form Space Applications Centre (SAC).
- The core competence of the centre lies in development of space borne and air borne instruments/payloads and their applications for national development and societal benefits.
- These applications are in diverse areas and primarily meet the communication, navigation and remote sensing needs of the country.
- Besides these, the centre also contributes significantly in scientific and planetary missions of ISRO like Chandrayan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission etc.