Chandrayaan-2 Continues to Illuminate the Moon’s Hidden Treasures

Nearly seven years after its launch, India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission is still yielding remarkable scientific revelations. Researchers have found strong evidence of subsurface water-ice buried beneath some of the coldest craters near the Moon’s South Pole. This discovery, based on advanced radar data from the orbiter, strengthens the case for utilising lunar resources in future human exploration.

ISRO detects possible subsurface ice on moon using Chandrayaan-2 data (Image: ISRO) | Moneycontrol

Uncovering Ice in Doubly Shadowed Craters

The breakthrough comes from the Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) instrument aboard the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad conducted a detailed analysis of data collected from permanently shadowed regions. These areas, especially “doubly shadowed craters” nestled within larger shadowed zones, never receive direct sunlight. Temperatures here can plummet to around 25 Kelvin (-248°C), creating ideal conditions for preserving water-ice over billions of years.

Using sophisticated polarimetric techniques, the team examined radar signals in L-band and S-band frequencies. They focused on two key parameters: the Circular Polarization Ratio (CPR) and the Degree of Polarization (DOP). Regions showing CPR values greater than 1 combined with very low DOP values (below 0.13) displayed characteristics of volumetric scattering, which is typically associated with buried ice rather than rough rocky surfaces.

Among the craters studied, four showed promising signatures. The standout candidate is a small 1.1-kilometre-wide crater inside the larger Faustini crater. This feature not only produced strong radar evidence but also exhibited distinctive lobate-rim structures. These flow-like formations suggest that a past impact may have excavated and exposed ice-rich material from beneath the surface.

Building on India’s Legacy of Lunar Exploration

This latest finding adds depth to India’s contributions to lunar science. Earlier missions, including Chandrayaan-1, had already detected surface water molecules and hydroxyl groups. Chandrayaan-2’s DFSAR provides a more penetrating view, offering insights into what lies beneath the lunar regolith. The orbiter, which has been operational far beyond its planned life, continues to demonstrate the long-term value of well-designed scientific instruments.

The discovery aligns with observations from international missions and reinforces the understanding that the Moon’s polar regions hold significant volatile deposits. These hidden reserves could be far more stable and accessible than previously thought.

Strategic Importance for Sustainable Lunar Presence

The presence of subsurface ice carries profound implications for humanity’s return to the Moon. Water is a versatile resource that can be converted into drinking water, breathable oxygen, and rocket propellant through electrolysis. This process, known as In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), would reduce the enormous costs and logistical challenges of transporting supplies from Earth.

Such capabilities are essential for establishing long-term habitats and supporting ambitious programmes like NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to create a sustainable human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars. The South Pole has emerged as a prime target for global space agencies due to its combination of near-constant sunlight on elevated ridges and potential ice deposits in shadowed craters.

India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 landing near the South Pole in 2023 already showcased the nation’s growing expertise in lunar operations. The new findings from Chandrayaan-2 further enhance India’s role in the international effort to explore and utilise the Moon’s resources.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission continues to prove that the country’s space programme is built not only on ambition but also on long-term scientific excellence. Nearly seven years after launch, the orbiter is still delivering groundbreaking discoveries, with fresh evidence suggesting the presence of subsurface water-ice beneath the Moon’s South Pole. The findings demonstrate how Indian scientists are contributing to one of the most important areas of modern space exploration — the search for sustainable resources beyond Earth. The use of advanced DFSAR radar technology to detect hidden ice deposits highlights the sophistication of India’s indigenous research capabilities and strengthens the nation’s standing in global lunar science.

The discovery also carries major strategic significance for the future of human space missions. Water-ice on the Moon is not merely a scientific curiosity; it could become the foundation for future lunar settlements by providing drinking water, oxygen, and even rocket fuel. As countries race toward establishing a long-term presence on the Moon, India’s continued success through Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 shows that it is emerging as a serious leader in the next era of space exploration. The mission’s ability to continue producing valuable data years beyond its planned lifespan reflects both the reliability of Indian engineering and the growing importance of India in shaping humanity’s future beyond Earth.

(Sources: India Today, Firstpost, Moneycontrol)