Chandrayaan-2 spots possible subsurface ice on Moon’s south pole: Why this Isro discovery matters

Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory scientists have identified evidence of subsurface ice in some of the coldest craters near the Moon’s south pole. The process was followed using data from Chandrayaan-2, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

The findings are drawn from observations by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter’s Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR), an advanced microwave imaging instrument designed to peer beneath the Moon’s surface.

The latest findings add to growing scientific evidence indicating that the Moon’s polar regions may contain substantial reserves of water ice beneath the surface.

Earlier studies using data from Chandrayaan-2 had already identified traces of water molecules and hydroxyl across parts of the lunar surface.

Why can it be big

Isro described the DFSAR instrument aboard Chandrayaan-2 as a major technological milestone, noting that it is the first fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar built to study the Moon in both L-band and S-band frequencies.

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According to scientists, the findings could prove crucial for future lunar exploration missions, particularly those aimed at supporting a sustained human presence on the Moon.

Water ice is considered one of the most valuable potential resources on the lunar surface, as it could be transformed into drinking water, breathable oxygen, and even rocket fuel for future deep-space missions.

As the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) prepares to return astronauts to the lunar surface under the Artemis programme and eventually establish a long-term human presence near the Moon’s south pole, the agency considers the region ideal for future lunar bases due to the possibility of accessible ice reserves within permanently shadowed craters.

At the same time, nearby peaks receive almost continuous sunlight, making them well-suited for power generation.

Chandrayaan-2’s discovery of water on the Moon could prove to be a major achievement, as it may help power humanity’s next phase of space exploration.

India's Moon mission

Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, India has unveiled plans for Chandrayaan-4, a sample-return mission that could further explore resources near the lunar poles. The government has also outlined an ambitious plan to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

In this context, Chandrayaan-2’s discovery marks significant geopolitical weight. With this breakthrough, India is no longer just participating in the global lunar race; it is producing the data that could influence where future missions land and where lunar infrastructure is eventually built.

The Moon’s south pole is increasingly being seen as the “oil field” of the space age, where access to water may shape scientific leadership, commercial prospects, and strategic influence in cislunar space.

With inputs from agencies