NASA: The Moon Has Water

NASA Ames Research in Moffet Field, California announced today that the Lunar CRater Observing and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission has shown that the moon has water.

In June 2009, the LCROSS satellite was launched with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) in a joint lunar mission. The LCROSS was separated from LRO along with its upper stage rocket, Centaur.

The LCROSS and the Centaur rocket were separated months later. The Centaur was then intentionally shot into the moon's surface near the south pole where it is was believed to contain ice due to the lack of sunlight.

After a year of data analysis, NASA scientists have determined the Cabeus crater contains moon water. Further the area has not seen natural sunlight in over a billion years.

Says Anthony Colaprette, NASA LCROSS scientist:

"We are ecstatic. The concentration and distribution of water and other substances requires further analysis, but it is safe to say Cabeus holds water."

Photo of Centaur rocket impact zone:

Source: NASA space photo

Photo of Cabeus Crater located near the moon's south pole:

Source: NASA space photo

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