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ISRO scientists utilizing data from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter have discovered strong evidence of subsurface water ice in the Moon's permanently shadowed regions. The spacecraft's Dual-Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar penetrated the lunar surface, mapping ice deposits within a 1.1-kilometer crater in the Faustini Basin. This breakthrough finding is highly significant for future lunar missions, as localized ice can supply critical drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel.
“Even though India launched Chandrayaan-2 years ago, its satellite is still orbiting the Moon. Recently, its powerful radar looked beneath the Moon's surface at the south pole and found frozen water. This is a massive discovery because future astronauts can melt this ice to drink, breathe, and even use it to make fuel to fly back home.”
Science & Technology
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Unlike standard optical cameras that need sunlight to take a picture, a radar actively shoots radio waves at a target and measures how they bounce back. Because radar waves can pass through dust and the top layer of lunar soil, ISRO's dual-frequency radar could 'see' the frozen ice hidden underneath the dark, freezing craters.
Which instrument onboard the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter was responsible for penetrating the lunar surface and discovering strong evidence of subsurface water ice in May 2026?
Why are the 'Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)' near the lunar poles of intense interest to space agencies?
Evaluate the significance of the discovery of lunar subsurface water ice by the Chandrayaan-2 mission for the future of deep space exploration.
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Space Technology and ISRO's Missions.
Expected interview inquiries focusing on administrative neutrality, policy implications, and practical field limits.
Critical syllabus indicator for upcoming cycles: Even though India launched Chandrayaan-2 years ago, its satellite is still orbiting the Moon. Recently, its powerful radar looked beneath the Moon's surface at the south pole and found frozen water. This is a massive discovery because future astronauts can melt this ice to drink, breathe, and even use it to make fuel to fly back home.