A decade has passed since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) deployed the Lunar CRater Observations and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) to explore the moon’s south pole. Now, they are gearing up to recreate the same project. In 2009, LCROSS was launched alongside the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The mission had one goal: to discern if water-ice could be found in a crater that is eternally shrouded in shadow at the bottom of the moon. The projects managed to unearth evidence of lunar soil in these hidden craters and discovered that the moon is chemically active, with a functioning water cycle. It was further confirmed that water exists in the form of nearly pure ice crystals in specific locations.
Genesis of the LCROSS Mission
Ten years ago, NASA developed and sent the Lunar CRater Observations Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) on a mission to determine the presence of water-ice on the moon’s polar regions. Paired with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the two spacecraft blasted off into space in 2009. The primary objective was to probe the perennially dark craters of the Moon’s south pole to validate the existence of water-ice.
The Discoveries of LCROSS and LRO
The venture turned out to be a success, as LCROSS and LRO unearthed concrete evidence of lunar soil in the perpetually shadowed craters. Additionally, the mission made two unexpected discoveries. Firstly, it was determined that the Moon’s ecosystem is teeming with chemical activity. Secondly, there’s a water cycle on the Moon, a conclusion that adds another dimension to our understanding of our celestial neighbor.
Evidence of Water on the Moon
One of the most significant findings of the LCROSS mission was confirming the existence of water on the moon. It was discovered that water was present in the form of mostly pure ice crystals in certain locations. This revelation not only validates the hypothesis of water-ice on the moon’s surface but also paves the way for potential future lunar exploration and possible permanent human settlement.
| Project | Launch Year | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| LCROSS | 2009 | Investigate presence of water-ice on Moon’s south pole |
| LRO | 2009 | Mapping of lunar surface and investigation of lunar radiation |
Revival of the LCROSS Project
Now, a decade after the initial launch, NASA is planning to revive and repeat the LCROSS project of 2009. The objective will remain the same: to explore the moon’s south pole and investigate the presence of water and other potential resources. The success of the past mission, along with the significant findings it unearthed, has boosted the confidence of the space agency to continue exploring the moon’s south pole in further depth. The upcoming mission will surely add more details to our existing knowledge of the moon.
