No cities on the moon—there isn't enough water, scientists say

The notion of establishing cities on the moon has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly with the discovery of water in dark craters at the moon's poles. However, scientists are now sounding the alarm, stating that there simply isn't enough water to support such ambitious plans. This revelation has significant implications for the certification of lunar missions and the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the moon. Certification bodies will need to carefully evaluate the feasibility of proposed lunar bases and cities, taking into account the limited water resources available.

The "moon rush" has been driven in part by the potential for lunar resources to support heavy industry and human settlement. However, the lack of sufficient water resources throws a wrench into these plans, highlighting the need for more rigorous planning and assessment. Certification professionals will play a critical role in ensuring that lunar missions are designed and implemented with sustainability in mind, taking into account the harsh lunar environment and limited resources. This will require careful consideration of factors such as life support systems, radiation protection, and in-situ resource utilization.

As the lunar industry continues to evolve, it will be important to watch for developments in areas such as in-situ resource utilization and closed-loop life support systems. These technologies will be crucial for enabling sustainable human presence on the moon, even in the absence of abundant water resources. Certification bodies will need to stay ahead of the curve, developing standards and guidelines that support the safe and sustainable development of lunar missions and bases. By doing so, they can help ensure that the "moon rush" is a responsible and sustainable one, rather than a reckless and ill-fated endeavor.

Originally reported by phys.org. CertificationNews adds analysis for science & discovery readers.