ISRO detects possible subsurface ice on Moon using Chandrayaan-2 data; what this means?

A new study, based on the findings of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-2 mission, has indicated strong evidence of subsurface ice under some of the coldest craters in the Moon's south polar region.

The analysis focused on "doubly shadowed craters," which are special craters located inside permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) of the Moon.

The study, carried out by the scientists of Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), was published in the Nature journal.

How was the study conducted?

The researchers investigated the presence of subsurface ice in nine doubly shadowed craters located within Faustini, Haworth, and Shoemaker craters. They examined observations from Chandrayaan-2 orbiter's dual frequency synthetic aperture radar (DFSAR) - a type of mapping tool that deploys two different radio wave frequencies to take detailed pictures of the landscape.

What do the findings suggest?

The findings have significant implications for future lunar exploration missions, including the identification of potential ice-bearing regions for future landing and in-situ resource utilisation activities, according to a statement released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

ISRO said that PSRs remain extremely cold due to continuous shielding from sunlight and thermal radiation. The crater interior temperatures reach around 25 K (-248°C), which is why they are considered favourable locations for preserving water-ice over long geological timescales.

The evidence of presence of ice on the lunar surface is considered important as it can be used for sustained human life on Moon in the future.

The ice can be broken into Hydrogen and Oxygen which can be transformed into drinking water, breathable oxygen and even rocket propellent for future explorations.