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A petrol station on the Moon? Lunar water could revolutionise space exploration
For decades, we have regarded the Moon as a symbol of one of humanity’s greatest technological triumphs. Now, however, it is back in the spotlight, harbouring something that could fundamentally change the future of space exploration. Extracting lunar water is no longer just a sci-fi idea; it is a real possibility that could determine how far humanity can travel into space.
For a long time, space exploration was all about spectacular breakthroughs, with the Moon itself representing a milestone up until the first lunar landing. After that, attention gradually shifted towards other planets and star systems. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly clear that the next era of space conquest will require resources that could once again make Earth’s closest celestial neighbour strategically important.
The Moon as a resource
According to National Geographic, both the United States and China are planning to establish permanent bases at the Moon’s south pole. This region has not attracted attention by chance. Research indicates that it is home to craters in permanent shadow, where extremely low temperatures have allowed water to remain frozen. These reserves could form the basis for the Moon to host not just temporary missions but a long-term human presence.
Extracting lunar water is crucial because water could prove to be one of the most versatile resources in space. Hydrogen and oxygen can be separated through electrolysis and, when liquefied, form an extremely efficient rocket fuel.
This realisation has the potential to transform space logistics. Launching equipment and fuel from Earth is extremely expensive due to the need to overcome the planet’s strong gravity. In contrast, the Moon has much lower gravity and no atmosphere to impede take-off. If even part of the fuel can be produced on-site, the costs of missions to Mars could drop dramatically. In this sense, processing lunar water is not just a technological breakthrough but also an economic turning point.
Challenges posed by lunar water
The challenge, however, is immense. Lunar water does not exist in large ice sheets but is mostly mixed into the soil—known as regolith—as tiny ice particles. This means the water must be released with heat, then the resulting vapour collected, cooled, and purified—all in extreme cold, often total darkness, within hard-to-reach craters. Human presence is therefore limited, making autonomous robots and remotely controlled systems essential.
In recent years, several promising technological solutions have emerged. The European Space Agency’s LUWEX project, for example, already has a working prototype capable of heating icy lunar soil and extracting water. Initially, the water is contaminated with fine, glassy lunar dust, but multi-stage purification can make it potable. From there, it is just a short step to electrolysis and fuel production.
Opportunities and risks
If lunar water extraction is achieved on an industrial scale, the Moon could indeed become humanity’s first space petrol station. Rockets, lunar rovers, and energy systems could all benefit from locally produced hydrogen and oxygen, not only making missions to Mars more feasible but also opening a new era in the exploration of the Solar System.
However, the opportunity also brings new tensions. Water supplies are finite, and the Moon’s south pole is a strategically significant area. It is therefore easy to imagine lunar water becoming a source of geopolitical disputes and conflicts in the future. The issue is thus not only technological but also political and legal.
The Moon is no longer just a celestial body; it has become a proving ground for whether humanity can sustain a long-term presence in space. Extracting lunar water could become one of the most important next chapters in space travel—and it may well define the course of humanity’s interplanetary ambitions.