Scientists Map Lunar Regolith Thickness for Future Moon Bases
Researchers have mapped the thickness of lunar regolith across the Moon's surface, providing crucial data for the construction of future lunar habitats and resource utilization.
Understanding the composition of planetary surfaces is critical for establishing long-term extraterrestrial habitats, with the Moon being NASA's primary target for a permanent base at its south pole. Engineers require precise knowledge of lunar regolith thickness to identify the safest locations for future lunar structures.
A team from Brown University has now investigated the regolith thickness across the entire lunar surface, with their findings published in The Planetary Science Journal. While it was previously hypothesized that regolith is thinner in dark lunar maria and thicker in brighter highland regions, definitive global data had been lacking.
To achieve this, the researchers analyzed data from 346 fresh impact craters situated in both mare and highland regions. Their primary goal was to determine regolith thickness and create an open-source database to support lunar infrastructure development. The study revealed that mare regolith averages approximately 4 meters (13 feet) in thickness, while highland regolith is about 6 meters (20 feet) thick.
This data is particularly relevant to NASA's plans for a permanent moon base near the south pole, a region known for permanently shadowed craters that may contain water ice. Accessing this ice through in situ resource utilization (ISRU) could significantly reduce the cost and logistical challenges of supplying water from Earth. The researchers also suggest that their methodology could be applicable to other airless celestial bodies in the solar system.
This research provides essential foundational data for lunar construction by quantifying regolith thickness. This knowledge directly impacts site selection for habitats, foundation engineering, and the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization, such as accessing subsurface water ice. The development of an open-source database supports broader lunar infrastructure planning and aligns with the growing push for sustained human presence beyond Earth.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.