The next era of lunar exploration could see NASA and ISRO working more closely as the United States looks to expand its presence on the Moon.

NASA wants future lunar exploration to become bigger, faster and more cost-efficient, with ambitious plans for a sustained human presence and a potential base on the Moon. India’s space agency ISRO could play an important role in this new phase of lunar exploration.

India has already demonstrated its growing capabilities in lunar missions, making ISRO an increasingly important partner in international space exploration.

From cost-effective technology to successful lunar missions, India’s space programme has attracted global attention. The potential NASA-ISRO partnership could open a new chapter in the race to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

Cheap, Fast, Successful: Why NASA Wants Isro on the Moon  | GRAVITAS 

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969.&nbsp;

The cave is said to be reachable from an open pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). As it is accessible from the surface, it has made the spot a prime location to build a future lunar base. It would serve as a natural shelter against the difficult lunar environment.&nbsp;

Leonardo Carrer, the study's first author, said, "The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-shares-stunning-images-of-a-space-get-away-captured-by-webb-and-chandra-741018">NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra</a>&nbsp;

The latest research published in Nature Astronomy titled, "Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit", made this milestone discovery about the Moon and future lunar explorations.&nbsp;

The research, which is a result of an international collaboration, was published on Monday (Jul 15). Scientists for the first time have found evidence of&nbsp;a substantial underground cave on the Moon. Researchers suspect that the cave is an empty lava tube.&nbsp;

The study was partially funded by the Italian Space Agency. It also involved researchers of the University of Padua and La Venta Geographic Explorations APS. The researchers contributed to the geological analyses and the modelling of the identified conduit.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/our-sun-has-been-emanating-mysterious-radio-signals-for-decades-nasa-plans-to-find-the-exact-source-740983">Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source</a>&nbsp;

NASA's lunar reconnaissance orbiter (LRO) radar data analysis showed that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, the Moon's deepest known pit, leads to a cave that is up to 80 metres long and 45 metres wide. The cave lies about 150 metres beneath the surface.&nbsp;

As quoted in reports, Lorenzo Bruzzone, professor at the University of Trento, explained: "These caves have been theorized for over 50 years, but it is the first time ever that we have demonstrated their existence."&nbsp;

Explaining further, Bruzzone said, "In 2010, as part of the ongoing LRO NASA mission, the Miniature Radio-Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument acquired data that included a pit in Mare Tranquilitatis."&nbsp;

"Years later we have reanalyzed these data with complex signal processing techniques we have recently developed, and have discovered radar reflections from the area of the pit that are best explained by an underground cave conduit," he added. &nbsp;

The scientist said that the "discovery provides the first direct evidence of an accessible lava tube under the surface of the Moon".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969.

Scientists have confirmed a cave on the Moon and suspect that there are hundreds more. They believe that such caves could house future astronauts. The one confirmed is quite close to the region where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed in 1969. The cave is said to be reachable from an open pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). As it is accessible from the surface, it has made the spot a prime location to build a future lunar base. It would serve as a natural shelter against the difficult lunar environment. Leonardo Carrer, the study's first author, said, "The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities." Also read: NASA shares stunning images of a space get-away captured by Webb and Chandra The latest research published in Nature Astronomy titled, "Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit", made this milestone discovery about the Moon and future lunar explorations. The research, which is a result of an international collaboration, was published on Monday (Jul 15). Scientists for the first time have found evidence of a substantial underground cave on the Moon. Researchers suspect that the cave is an empty lava tube. The study was partially funded by the Italian Space Agency. It also involved researchers of the University of Padua and La Venta Geographic Explorations APS. The researchers contributed to the geological analyses and the modelling of the identified conduit. Also read: Our sun is sending mysterious radio signals for decades. NASA plans to find the exact source NASA's lunar reconnaissance orbiter (LRO) radar data analysis showed that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, the Moon's deepest known pit, leads to a cave that is up to 80 metres long and 45 metres wide. The cave lies about 150 metres beneath the surface. As quoted in reports, Lorenzo Bruzzone, professor at the University of Trento, explained: "These caves have been theorized for over 50 years, but it is the first time ever that we have demonstrated their existence." Explaining further, Bruzzone said, "In 2010, as part of the ongoing LRO NASA mission, the Miniature Radio-Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument acquired data that included a pit in Mare Tranquilitatis." "Years later we have reanalyzed these data with complex signal processing techniques we have recently developed, and have discovered radar reflections from the area of the pit that are best explained by an underground cave conduit," he added. The scientist said that the "discovery provides the first direct evidence of an accessible lava tube under the surface of the Moon". (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find underground cave on Moon that could be prime location for future lunar base

China's Chang’e-6 lunar mission returned to Earth on Tuesday (Jun 25), carrying first-ever samples from the far side of the Moon. The mission landed in China’s northern Inner Mongolia region just after 2 pm local time.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has hailed the historic mission as the country's “eternal dream” as Beijing aspires to become a dominating space power and ramp up exploration programmes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwis2_m2pPaGAxV0cGwGHbfwChkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-acing-three-autonmous-landings-indias-pushpak-plane-awaits-ride-to-space-734290" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-acing-three-autonmous-landings-indias-pushpak-plane-awaits-ride-to-space-734290&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis2_m2pPaGAxV0cGwGHbfwChkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">After acing three autonomous landings, India`s `Pushpak` plane awaits ride to space</a>

As per reports, the mission is understood to have returned with up to 2 kilogrammes of moon dust and rocks. The sample will be first analysed by scientists in China and later will be made available to international researchers.

<h2>Chang'e-6 mission faced extreme conditions</h2>

According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwis2_m2pPaGAxV0cGwGHbfwChkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-france-launch-powerful-satellite-for-studying-star-explosions-734226" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-france-launch-powerful-satellite-for-studying-star-explosions-734226&amp;ved=2ahUKEwis2_m2pPaGAxV0cGwGHbfwChkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">China, France launch powerful satellite for studying star explosions</a>

Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency.

<h2>The operational challenges</h2>

Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth.&nbsp;

Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission.

Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface.

The mission also hoisted and planted China's national flag on the dark side of the moon.

China's Chang’e-6 lunar mission returned to Earth on Tuesday (Jun 25), carrying first-ever samples from the far side of the Moon. The mission landed in China’s northern Inner Mongolia region just after 2 pm local time.

China's Chang’e-6 lunar mission returned to Earth on Tuesday (Jun 25), carrying first-ever samples from the far side of the Moon. The mission landed in China’s northern Inner Mongolia region just after 2 pm local time. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has hailed the historic mission as the country's “eternal dream” as Beijing aspires to become a dominating space power and ramp up exploration programmes. Also read: After acing three autonomous landings, India`s `Pushpak` plane awaits ride to space As per reports, the mission is understood to have returned with up to 2 kilogrammes of moon dust and rocks. The sample will be first analysed by scientists in China and later will be made available to international researchers. Chang'e-6 mission faced extreme conditions According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Chang'e-6 managed to endure high temperatures during its mission on the far side of the moon. Also read: China, France launch powerful satellite for studying star explosions Chang'e-6 "withstood the test of high temperature on the far side of the moon," said the space agency. The operational challenges Unlike the previous Chang'e-5 mission, which collected samples from the moon's near side, Chang'e-6 operated under additional technical challenges — the probe had to operate without direct links to Earth. Instead, it communicated through the Queqiao-2 satellite, launched in April to aid this mission. Using a drill and a robotic arm, the Chang'e-6 probe collected soil from the moon's surface. The mission also hoisted and planted China's national flag on the dark side of the moon.

China's Chang’e-6 mission returns to Earth with rare sample from Moon's far side

India and the US have seen a steady growth in the space sector ties in with recent decades and now India and the US are contemplating human Le lunar exploration.

India & US planning a human-led lunar exploration?

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.&nbsp;

<h2>About the launch of&nbsp;Chang’e-6 probe</h2>

The Long March-5, China’s largest rocket, successfully launched carrying the Chang’e-6 probe, which weighs more than eight metric tonnes, from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre, on the southern island of Hainan, at around 5:27 pm (local time), announced the China National Space Administration (CNSA).&nbsp;

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🎉Congratulations to the successful moon shot launch of Chang’e 6 lunar probe! Looking forward to collecting humankind’s first-ever lunar soil from the far side of the moon! 🌖 Long March 5 Launch video: <a href="https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC">https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC</a> <a href="https://t.co/nohTUB6xPc">pic.twitter.com/nohTUB6xPc</a>
— CNSA Watcher (@CNSAWatcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNSAWatcher/status/1786330703803920883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The launch was attended by scientists, diplomats and space agency officials from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), all of which have Moon-studying payloads aboard the rocket.&nbsp;

“It is a bit of a mystery to us how China has been able to develop such an ambitious and successful programme in such a short time,” said Pierre-Yves Meslin, a French researcher working on one of the scientific objectives of the Chang’e-6 mission, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Notably, no United States-based organisations applied to get a payload spot, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Programme.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-set-to-launch-lunar-probe-change-6-with-pakistans-satellite-on-board-717525">China set to launch lunar probe Chang'e-6 with Pakistan's satellite on board</a>

This is because Beijing is banned by American law from any collaboration with the US space agency NASA.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Chang’e-6&nbsp;mission about?</h2>

Chang’e-6 is tasked with landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, which faces away from Earth, to retrieve samples.&nbsp;

The mission’s goal is to collect two kilogrammes of soil and rocks from the landing site and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis.&nbsp;

“The far side of the moon has a mystique perhaps because we literally can’t see it, we have never seen it apart from with robotic probes or the very few number of humans that have been around the other side,” said Neil Melville-Kenney, a technical officer at ESA working with Chinese researchers on one of the Chang’e-6 payloads, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/change-6-missions-experimental-satellites-beam-back-eerie-image-of-moon-and-earth-714096">Crater-filled Moon and faint Earth in the background: Chinese satellites beam eerie image from space</a>

The Chinese spacecraft will rely on the relay satellite that has been recently deployed and in its 53-day mission is orbiting the Moon.

Once the probe separates from the rocket it will take around four to five days to reach the Moon and is expected to land on the far side of the lunar surface in June.&nbsp;

The probe – named after the Chinese Moon goddess – will then spend around two days digging up the samples before it makes its journey back to Earth, where it is expected to land in Inner Mongolia.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.

China on Friday (May 3) successfully launched its historic mission to collect rocks and soil from the far side of the Moon, becoming the first country to make such an ambitious attempt. About the launch of Chang’e-6 probe The Long March-5, China’s largest rocket, successfully launched carrying the Chang’e-6 probe, which weighs more than eight metric tonnes, from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre, on the southern island of Hainan, at around 5:27 pm (local time), announced the China National Space Administration (CNSA). 🎉Congratulations to the successful moon shot launch of Chang’e 6 lunar probe! Looking forward to collecting humankind’s first-ever lunar soil from the far side of the moon! 🌖 Long March 5 Launch video: https://t.co/Oxx3ZQ1CvC pic.twitter.com/nohTUB6xPc — CNSA Watcher (@CNSAWatcher) May 3, 2024 × The launch was attended by scientists, diplomats and space agency officials from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency (ESA), all of which have Moon-studying payloads aboard the rocket. “It is a bit of a mystery to us how China has been able to develop such an ambitious and successful programme in such a short time,” said Pierre-Yves Meslin, a French researcher working on one of the scientific objectives of the Chang’e-6 mission, as quoted by Reuters. Notably, no United States-based organisations applied to get a payload spot, said Ge Ping, deputy director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Programme. Also Read | China set to launch lunar probe Chang'e-6 with Pakistan's satellite on board This is because Beijing is banned by American law from any collaboration with the US space agency NASA. What is the Chang’e-6 mission about? Chang’e-6 is tasked with landing in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Moon, which faces away from Earth, to retrieve samples. The mission’s goal is to collect two kilogrammes of soil and rocks from the landing site and bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis. “The far side of the moon has a mystique perhaps because we literally can’t see it, we have never seen it apart from with robotic probes or the very few number of humans that have been around the other side,” said Neil Melville-Kenney, a technical officer at ESA working with Chinese researchers on one of the Chang’e-6 payloads, as quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Crater-filled Moon and faint Earth in the background: Chinese satellites beam eerie image from space The Chinese spacecraft will rely on the relay satellite that has been recently deployed and in its 53-day mission is orbiting the Moon. Once the probe separates from the rocket it will take around four to five days to reach the Moon and is expected to land on the far side of the lunar surface in June. The probe – named after the Chinese Moon goddess – will then spend around two days digging up the samples before it makes its journey back to Earth, where it is expected to land in Inner Mongolia. (With inputs from agencies)

Chang’e-6: China launches historic mission to collect samples from far side of the Moon

We've grown up learning about photosynthesis i.e., the ability of plants to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen.&nbsp;

But do you know that Moon's soil can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels too?

According to a team of scientists at the Nanjing University in China, lunar soil contains compounds that can achieve this.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-team-departs-iss-to-come-back-to-earth-476702" hreflang="en">NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth</a>

In an article published in the journal Joule, the scientists proposed an "extraterrestrial photosynthesis" technique based on their findings.&nbsp;It primarily employs lunar soil to electrolyse water taken from the moon and in astronauts' breathing exhaust turning it&nbsp;into oxygen and hydrogen using sunlight as a source of energy.

The observation is based on lunar soil samples brought back to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft. It was found that the soil contains iron-rich and titanium-rich substances that can potentially act as a catalyst to make the desired product like Oxygen using Sunlight and carbon dioxide.

According to the researchers, the technique employs just sunlight to produce a number of useful goods including water, oxygen, and fuel that may support life on a Moonbase.

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-the-times-humanity-tried-to-communicate-with-aliens-475869/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Researchers are now looking for a way to put the technology to the test in space, most likely with one of China's future crewed lunar expeditions.

Many solutions for extraterrestrial survival have previously been offered by scientists. However, the majority of designs require energy from the Earth.

"We use in-situ environmental resources to minimise rocket payload, and our strategy provides a scenario for a sustainable and affordable extraterrestrial living environment," varsity researcher Yingfang Yao stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-amazing-photo-of-recent-solar-flare-was-it-harmful-for-us-on-earth-476584" hreflang="en">NASA posts amazing photo of recent solar flare. Was this release harmful for us on Earth?</a>

The Perseverance Mars rover, for example, carries a piece of equipment that can exploit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

While lunar soil's catalytic effectiveness is lower than that of Earth-based catalysts, Yao says the team is experimenting with several techniques to improve the design.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

We've grown up learning about photosynthesis i.e., the ability of plants to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. But do you know that Moon's soil can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels too?

We've grown up learning about photosynthesis i.e., the ability of plants to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. But do you know that Moon's soil can turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels too? According to a team of scientists at the Nanjing University in China, lunar soil contains compounds that can achieve this. Also read | NASA astronaut team departs ISS to come back to Earth In an article published in the journal Joule, the scientists proposed an "extraterrestrial photosynthesis" technique based on their findings. It primarily employs lunar soil to electrolyse water taken from the moon and in astronauts' breathing exhaust turning it into oxygen and hydrogen using sunlight as a source of energy. The observation is based on lunar soil samples brought back to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft. It was found that the soil contains iron-rich and titanium-rich substances that can potentially act as a catalyst to make the desired product like Oxygen using Sunlight and carbon dioxide. According to the researchers, the technique employs just sunlight to produce a number of useful goods including water, oxygen, and fuel that may support life on a Moonbase. Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens Researchers are now looking for a way to put the technology to the test in space, most likely with one of China's future crewed lunar expeditions. Many solutions for extraterrestrial survival have previously been offered by scientists. However, the majority of designs require energy from the Earth. "We use in-situ environmental resources to minimise rocket payload, and our strategy provides a scenario for a sustainable and affordable extraterrestrial living environment," varsity researcher Yingfang Yao stated. Also read | NASA posts amazing photo of recent solar flare. Was this release harmful for us on Earth? The Perseverance Mars rover, for example, carries a piece of equipment that can exploit carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While lunar soil's catalytic effectiveness is lower than that of Earth-based catalysts, Yao says the team is experimenting with several techniques to improve the design. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists find proof of 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis'. Here's what it is, how it can help us

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