Chinese Scientists Discovered Water Molecules in Lunar Rock Sample for the First Time

Chinese scientists made an exciting discovery when they analyzed soil samples from their lunar probe. They found water in its molecular form, H2O, along with minerals in the soil. This is the first time water in this form has been found in physical samples from the moon, especially from a region where they didn’t expect it.

Researchers closely examined samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 probe, which landed on the moon in 2020. They found a crystal called ULM-1, which contains about 41% water. This water is stabilized by bits of ammonia, allowing it to survive the moon’s extreme temperature changes.

This type of water could potentially support lunar habitation in the future, according to the scientists.

This discovery is part of China’s bigger plan to become a leading space power, with goals like building a research base on the moon.

Yuqi Qian, a planetary geologist at the University of Hong Kong, explained that there are three types of water on the moon: water molecules (H2O), ice, and hydroxyl (OH). Previous discoveries suggested that water on the moon came from ancient volcanic activity. However, the lunar poles, where water is mostly found, are hard to navigate, making it difficult for humans to extract water.

This new study shows that molecular water can exist in a middle-latitude part of the moon, thanks to ammonium stabilizing the water molecules. This finding supports NASA’s 2020 discovery of water on the moon’s surface.

Qian believes this new mechanism could make molecular water stable on the lunar surface, potentially allowing us to extract water directly from lunar soils in the future. Kring noted that although the sample was collected from a mid-latitude area, it’s unclear if it formed there.

Countries, including the United States, are increasingly interested in lunar exploration. China has made significant advancements in space, achieving milestones like the first robotic lunar landing in decades, landing on the moon’s far side, and completing an orbital space station.

China plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and build a research base at its south pole. Understanding how water is stored on the moon could help future astronauts find resources for drinking water or even rocket fuel.

Some Chinese social media users speculated about growing plants on the moon using this water, but Qian said it’s too early to draw such conclusions. More research is needed to confirm how abundant the water is.

Kring cautioned that the findings don’t yet have significant implications for exploration missions but show that discoveries await those who explore the moon.

China’s rapid advancements have caught NASA’s attention. The space agency hasn’t been able to work with Chinese counterparts due to the Wolf Amendment, which cites concerns about espionage. However, China has opened access to the Chang’e-5 samples to the international community.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said they are ensuring that working with Chinese scientists doesn’t violate the law. The restrictions have led China to build its own space station, Tiangong, challenging the US as the International Space Station prepares to retire in 2031.

These limits on collaboration and China’s progress have led to pride among Chinese social media users. They celebrated the discovery as a demonstration of China’s scientific and technological strength and called for more international cooperation in space research.