Water resources on the Moon may be insufficient for large human settlements

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Space Technologies has revealed that existing water resources on the Moon may be insufficient to support large-scale human settlements in the long term.

Calculation of Water Needs

In the study, the water needs of settlements of various sizes were calculated based on the assumption that there is approximately 1 billion tons of water suitable for human use on the Moon.

It was taken into account that water would be used in various areas such as human consumption, cleaning, food production, rocket fuel, and oxygen extraction.

Consumption Rate and Status of Reserves

Scientists determined that a city with a population of 1 million on the Moon could consume existing water resources in less than 2.5 years.

Researchers shared important findings, stating that water reserves might not be sufficient for a permanent settlement area on the Moon.

Recycling and Long-Term Scenarios

It was emphasized that even if water is recycled as much as possible, resources would last for a maximum of 100 years.

Lead author of the study Martin Elvis stated that this period would only be possible by greatly limiting water consumption.

Future Planning and Settlement Recommendations

Martin Elvis from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics stated that, considering current water resources, establishing a large city in the short term is not realistic.

Elvis evaluated that a smaller town-style settlement could be established within the next 30 years.