ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 Reveals Evidence of Subsurface Ice on Moon
ISRO detects possible subsurface ice on Moon using Chandrayaan-2 data; what this means?

Image: Deccan Herald
A study using data from ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission has provided strong evidence of subsurface ice in the Moon's south polar region, particularly in doubly shadowed craters. This discovery has significant implications for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization.
- 01The study was conducted by scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad and published in the journal Nature.
- 02Nine doubly shadowed craters were analyzed, revealing the presence of ice beneath the surface.
- 03Permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) on the Moon maintain extremely low temperatures, making them ideal for ice preservation.
- 04The subsurface ice could be crucial for future lunar missions, providing resources for water, breathable oxygen, and rocket propellant.
- 05The findings enhance the understanding of the Moon's geology and potential for supporting human life.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A recent study based on data from the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-2 mission has revealed compelling evidence of subsurface ice located beneath some of the coldest craters in the Moon's south polar region. Conducted by scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, the research focused on nine doubly shadowed craters within Faustini, Haworth, and Shoemaker craters. Utilizing the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's dual frequency synthetic aperture radar (DFSAR), researchers were able to capture detailed images of the lunar landscape. The findings suggest that these permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) maintain extremely low temperatures, around 25 K (-248°C), which are conducive to preserving water-ice over extended geological periods. This discovery holds significant implications for future lunar exploration, as the presence of ice could facilitate in-situ resource utilization, enabling astronauts to convert ice into drinking water, breathable oxygen, and rocket propellant. Such resources are vital for sustaining human life on the Moon and supporting long-term exploration missions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The discovery of subsurface ice could transform lunar exploration by providing essential resources for human life.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the discovery of ice on the Moon?
Connecting to poll...
More about Indian Space Research Organisation

Chandrayaan-2 Discovers Subsurface Ice at Moon's South Pole: Implications for Future Exploration
Firstpost • May 28, 2026

Global Developments: Trump’s Threats, New Defence Pact, and Bolivia’s Crisis
Firstpost • May 28, 2026
&w=1200&q=75)
Chandrayaan-2 Discovers Water-Ice Beneath Moon's South Pole
Zee News • May 27, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



