In a remarkable scientific development, researchers say lunar soil could help support human life on the Moon in future missions.
This leap forward is thanks to a new technology that extracts vital resources like water directly from the Moon’s surface.
Such innovation could allow astronauts to live longer on the Moon, rather than relying on costly shipments from Earth.
Currently, sending just one gallon of water to the Moon costs about $83,000 — and astronauts need four gallons per day.
With this new method, that staggering cost could be avoided by creating essential supplies directly on the lunar surface.
Scientists used soil samples collected during China’s Chang’e-5 mission and discovered a new, energy-efficient way to extract water.
Unlike earlier techniques, this one-step system needs less energy and also helps break down carbon dioxide into usable resources.
The system works by using sunlight to heat the soil, which releases water and supports further chemical processes.
Lu Wang, lead researcher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, “We never imagined the ‘magic’ the lunar soil held.”
He added, “This method could reduce energy use and lower the cost of building infrastructure on the Moon.”
The findings offer hope to countries aiming to send humans deeper into space by first establishing longer-term stays on the Moon.
However, challenges remain — including wild temperature swings, low gravity, and an uneven lunar landscape.
The study, Inherent lunar water enabled photothermal CO2 catalysis, was published in the journal Joule.
