Image source: CGTN
«After three years of in-depth research, a completely new method of using lunar soil to produce large quantities of water has been discovered, which is expected to become an important basis for the design of future lunar research stations and space stations,” Reuters quoted Chinese state broadcaster CCTV as saying.
According to researchers at the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences, hydrogen contained in lunar soil minerals reacts with other elements when heated to very high temperatures, resulting in water vapor. Using the discovery of Chinese scientists, from one ton of lunar soil, you can get about 51–76 kg of water. This is enough to provide drinking water to 50 people daily.
The Chinese space agency plans to build a manned station at the lunar south pole by 2035 and launch an orbital space station by 2045.
Water discovered on the Moon can be used not only for life support of future lunar settlements. NASA chief Bill Nelson said in May that water discovered on the Moon could be used to create hydrogen rocket fuel for flights to Mars and deep space exploration.