Moonquakes Could Map Lunar Ice 800 Meters Deep as Artemis Eyes 2028 South Pole Missions
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 8
Moonquakes Could Map Lunar Ice 800 Meters Deep as Artemis Eyes 2028 South Pole Missions
3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 8
Summary
Science Advances research says seismic waves from moonquakes could detect and roughly measure water ice buried beneath the lunar surface, including deposits beyond the reach of orbital instruments.
Ice changes the lunar ground’s seismic signature by making soil two to three times stiffer and faster for vibrations, while also reflecting energy in echo-like patterns that a seismometer could capture.
Three lines of evidence backed the method: Arizona volcanic rock experiments, south-pole temperature models identifying long-frozen craters, and simulations of moonquakes moving through underground ice.
For missions, that ice could supply drinking water, oxygen and hydrogen fuel, cutting cargo needs for longer lunar stays; scientists also say ancient polar ice may preserve clues to how Earth’s oceans formed.
The approach could get its first real-world test in late 2026 with China’s Chang’e-7 near Shackleton Crater, ahead of NASA’s planned Artemis south-pole crewed missions in 2028.