Scientists find hydrogen in Apollo moon rocks, suggesting astronauts can harvest lunar water.

Scientists find hydrogen in Apollo moon rocks, suggesting astronauts can harvest lunar water.

For the first time, scientists have found hydrogen in moon rocks, suggesting that water may be more abundant on the moon than previously thought. This discovery could have major implications for future space exploration, as water could be used for drinking, life support, and even rocket fuel.

The hydrogen was found in a sample of lunar soil that was collected during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The sample was analyzed using a technique called neutron scattering, which allows scientists to study the composition of materials without destroying them.

The scientists who made the discovery say that the hydrogen is likely present in the form of water ice, which is trapped in the tiny pores of the lunar soil. They estimate that there could be as much as 1,000 tons of water ice in every cubic kilometer of lunar soil.

This discovery is a major breakthrough in our understanding of the moon's environment. It suggests that the moon may have more water than previously thought, and that this water could be accessible to future astronauts.

The discovery could also have major implications for future space exploration. Water is a valuable resource that is essential for life, and it could be used for drinking, life support, and even rocket fuel. The presence of water on the moon could make it a more viable destination for future human missions.

The scientists who made the discovery say that more research is needed to determine the extent of the water ice deposits on the moon. They also say that it is important to develop technologies that can extract the water from the lunar soil.

If water can be harvested from the moon, it could be a game-changer for future space exploration. It could make it possible to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, and it could even pave the way for human missions to Mars and beyond.