Chandrayaan 3 found water on Moon in more locations marking a major breakthrough in space exploration. Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have analyzed data from the ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) instrument and discovered that lunar water ice may be more widespread and easily accessible than previously thought.
The ChaSTE instrument, part of the Vikram lander, was designed to measure temperature variations on the Moon’s surface and subsurface. Its data has now helped scientists identify larger areas with shallow water ice deposits, making future extraction easier.
Chandrayaan 3 Found Water on Moon: New Insights on Lunar Ice Formation
The Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully touched down near the Moon’s south pole, at approximately 69 degrees south latitude. At the landing site—a Sun-facing slope angled at six degrees—scientists observed extreme temperature variations. During the daytime, temperatures peaked at about 82°C, while at night, they plummeted to -170°C. However, just one meter away on a flatter surface, the peak temperature was notably lower at around 60°C.
According to researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, this difference occurred due to increased solar radiation at the ChaSTE penetration point. The team developed a thermal model showing how slope angles affect surface temperatures, especially at high lunar latitudes like the landing site.
Key Findings from ChaSTE’s Data
(1) Slopes facing away from the Sun and towards the Moon’s nearest pole, if inclined at more than 14 degrees, may be cool enough for water ice to accumulate near the surface.
(2) These conditions closely match those of NASA’s proposed Artemis program landing sites, which aim to explore the Moon’s south pole.
ChaSTE’s findings also suggest that high-latitude regions are promising for water-ice scouting, resource extraction, and potential habitation. Compared to regions closer to the poles, these areas present fewer technical challenges for future exploration while still being scientifically valuable.
Lead researcher Durga Prasad Karanam from PRL explained that liquid water cannot exist on the Moon’s surface due to the ultra-high vacuum. Instead of melting into liquid, lunar ice sublimates directly into vapor. However, he emphasized that ice remains a valuable resource for future lunar exploration and habitability.
He further stated that more measurements, such as those from ChaSTE, are needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of lunar water ice distribution. Additionally, techniques and strategies for extracting and utilizing ice must be developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of future Moon missions.
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From Chandrayaan-1 to Chandrayaan-3 Tracing Lunar Water Ice
Before Chandrayaan 3 found water on Moon, India’s first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, played a crucial role in detecting water molecules on the Moon. In 2009, its Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument, developed by NASA, provided the first direct evidence of water and hydroxyl (OH) molecules on the lunar surface, especially near the poles.
Additionally, Chandrayaan-1’s Mini-SAR (Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar) detected water ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) of craters near the Moon’s north pole.
The latest data from ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) aboard Chandrayaan-3 now suggests that water ice may be more accessible than previously thought, reinforcing Chandrayaan-1’s earlier discoveries. Chandrayaan 3 water ice discovery remains a major breakthrough.
ISRO’s next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, aims to bring lunar soil back to Earth. Research on these soil samples will also help validate Chandrayaan 3 Found Water on Moon and identify more ice locations. Chandrayaan 3 water ice discovery will support NASA’s Artemis mission in establishing a lunar habitat for humans, as well as ISRO’s planned human landing on the Moon.With each mission, ISRO is building a more detailed picture of the Moon’s water resources, which are crucial for future human exploration and long-term sustainability.
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