IF ASTRONAUTS FIND WATER, WHAT THEN?
Astronomers want to build radio telescopes that are shielded by the moon from the hum of electrical signals from Earth.
Without the interference they could peer further into deep space studying the Milky Way and beyond, even searching for faint signals from extra-terrestrial civilisations.
And as the cost of space travel falls, entrepreneurs could head to the moon to seek their fortune.
Surface rocks are thought to contain abundant iron and aluminium, which could be used to build structures on the moon.
Artist rendering of the IM-1 mission to the lunar surface
Artist rendering of the IM-1 mission to the lunar surface
But there’s also titanium, magnesium and low concentrations of the rare-Earth elements. As resources on Earth run down, or concern grows about the environmental damage from extraction, exports from the moon become more viable.
And there’s thought to be a million tonnes of Helium-3 deposited in the dusty surface by the solar wind. It’s a possible clean, non-radioactive fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors. And there’s no harmful waste either.
Some scientists are doubtful. One called the idea of helium mining “moonshine”. Think hogwash.
An artist’s impression of IM-1’s descent
An artist’s impression of IM-1’s descent
But companies are already raising money from investors for the first mining missions.
And what about the rocket fuel?
There are companies that aim to process lunar water into propellant, setting up refuelling stations in lunar orbit for spaceships heading to Mars and beyond.
It may all sound like science fiction. But it’s no longer being dismissed as fantasy.
A plentiful source of water sustains life on Earth. And it could do the same for humans on the moon.