Space missions initiated by almost all leading countries of the world are aimed not only at making scientific discoveries. One of the key tasks of space programs is the search for and potential extraction of useful resources. For several decades, humanity has been actively exploring the Moon. This natural satellite of the Earth, which appeared about 4.5 billion years ago, has long ceased to be just an object of night observations. Under the surface of the Moon, valuable resources may be hidden that in the future can significantly change our life on Earth and help in the exploration of outer space. What useful resources can be found on the Moon?
Mining resources on the Moon can change our entire world. Image source: vokrugsveta.ru
Contents
- 1 What resources can be mined on the Moon
- 1.1 Helium-3 — a source of safe energy
- 1.2 Rare earth metals on the Moon
- 1.3 Water on the Moon — the future of space missions
- 2 Extraction of useful resources on the Moon
What resources can be extracted on the Moon
Since the second half of the 20th century, 138 space missions have been sent to the Moon, including failed launches and the famous Apollo program, which put humans on the lunar surface for the first time. The list also includes flights of orbiters, landing modules, lunar rovers, and other devices. Each of these expeditions brought humanity closer to unraveling the mysteries of the moon.
Photo of Americans on the Moon. Image source: nasa.gov
During the research on the surface of the Moon, several minerals were discovered that could become important resources for our planet in the future. These findings give hope that the extraction of lunar resources will one day become a reality, opening up new opportunities for both scientific progress and space exploration.
A small list of useful resources on the Moon was published by the authors of the Reuters agency.
Helium-3 – a source of safe energy
One of the most intriguing resources that can be found on the Moon is helium-3. Unlike Earth, which is protected by a magnetic field, the Moon has been exposed to solar wind for billions of years, leaving large deposits of this rare isotope on its surface. Scientists believe that helium-3 could be the basis for safe nuclear energy in fusion reactors. Unlike traditional nuclear fuel, it is not radioactive and does not create hazardous waste.
Extraction of Helium-3 is one of the main reasons why we want to fly to the Moon. Image source: sciencefocus.com
Although attempts to create a thermonuclear reactor based on helium-3have not yet been successful, but interest in this resource remains high. Several countries, including India, have already expressed interest in extracting helium-3 from the surface of the Moon. In addition to energy, the helium-3 isotope could be useful for cooling quantum computers, in the field of medicine, and so on.
Read also: Scientists finally know what is inside the Moon
Rare earth metals on the Moon
The Moon also contains rare earth metals, which have found wide application in modern technologies. Among them, scandium and yttrium stand out, which are used in the production of smartphones, computers, and medical equipment. These metals play a key role in creating the advanced technologies we use every day.
Rare earth element scandium. Image source: wikipedia.org
Scandium, in particular, is used in metallurgy to create heat-resistant alloys, as well as in aerospace engineering and even in dentistry to make durable dentures. Yttrium is in demand in the production of high-temperature superconductors, laser technology and special glasses. These metals, discovered on the Moon, can become an important resource for the future development of technologies on Earth.
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Water on the Moon – the future of space missions
In 2008, the Indian mission Chandrayaan-1 officially confirmed the presence of water on the surface of the Moon. During this mission, water molecules were discovered that are distributed throughout the lunar surface, especially in the polar regions. This discovery completely changed our understanding of the Moon and its resources. Today, scientists know even more interesting facts about water on the Moon.
The Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. Image source: britannica.com
The presence of water on the Moon, even in frozen form, is of great importance for future missions and colonization. Not only is it vital for human existence, but it can also serve as a source of hydrogen and oxygen, which can be used as rocket fuel. Thus, water on the Moon opens up new horizons for space exploration and the creation of permanent bases on its surface.
Mining resources on the Moon
It is still difficult to even imagine how exactly resources will be mined on the Moon. However, it is clear that this will require the creation of a complex infrastructure like the lunar base that has been discussed for a long time. Since the conditions on the Moon are extremely harsh, much of the heavy lifting will probably be done by robots. This will reduce the risks for astronauts and make the most of their time in space.
Mining useful resources on the Moon as represented by a neural network
Astronauts will most likely work on a rotational basis, performing only the most difficult tasks on the surface of the Moon. During their return to Earth, automated equipment will continue to operate, ensuring an uninterrupted mining process. Most likely, only a combination of human labor and automation will allow us to effectively explore and use the resources of the Moon.
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