Water reserves on the Moon declared insufficient to sustain a million-person city
New calculations show that water resources on the lunar surface are quite limited for a large human settlement and could be depleted rapidly.
Calculations by researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have revealed that existing water reserves on the Moon may not be sufficient to establish large cities. While Elon Musk's SpaceX company has the goal of establishing a self-sustaining city on the Moon on the agenda, the water needs of such a settlement have been scrutinized.
Details of the Research
Calculations by researchers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics have revealed that existing water reserves on the Moon may not be sufficient to establish large cities.
Consumption Areas and Duration
According to the research, water in a 1-million-person settlement would be used in areas such as agriculture, rocket fuel, and oxygen production, in addition to drinking and hygiene. Taking this consumption into account, it was calculated that existing water resources could be depleted in less than 2.5 years.
Recycling Rates
It was stated that even if the 98 percent water recycling rate applied on the International Space Station is used in a settlement on the Moon, the water needs of a city of 1 million people could be met for approximately a century.
Water Lifespan by Population
In the researchers' calculations, it was observed that as the population decreases, the duration of use of water resources extends significantly. It was projected that a settlement of about 100,000 people could meet its water needs for a thousand years, and a town of 10,000 people for 10,000 years.
Importance of Scientific Research
It is stated that the water ice found at the poles of the Moon is important not only for future settlements but also for scientific research. Researchers point out that these resources should be examined before being used for industrial purposes.