A groundbreaking study published in Joule reveals a new solar-powered system capable of extracting water from lunar soil while converting CO2 into oxygen and fuel-related chemicals. This technology could dramatically change humanity’s future on the Moon by reducing the need for transporting critical resources.
Lunar soil, often seen as barren, has been found to contain significant amounts of water that can support human life without constant shipments from Earth. A new photothermal technology extracts this water and converts CO2 into oxygen and fuel, enabling astronauts to breathe, generate power, and fuel future lunar missions.
The system utilizes solar energy to capture sunlight and convert it into heat, which is then used to extract the water. This process enhances energy utilization on the Moon, significantly reducing costs and complexity of setting up long-term lunar bases.
However, significant challenges remain for practical implementation, including extreme temperatures, high radiation levels, low gravity, and variable soil composition. The team acknowledges that overcoming these technical hurdles will be crucial to realizing sustainable lunar water utilization.
This breakthrough technology offers hope for overcoming the Moon’s inhospitable conditions and supports self-sustaining lunar bases. With further research and development, the potential of this innovation can be realized, paving the way for a more sustainable future in space exploration.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/07/scientists-stunned-lunar-soils-secret-power