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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-30 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Space Technology, Science & Technology, ISRO ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-30 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Space Technology, Science & Technology, ISRO ///

News · GS Paper 3

Chandrayaan-2 Detects Subsurface Ice on Moon's South Pole

Indian scientists have found radar evidence of possible subsurface ice in the Moon's south polar region using Chandrayaan-2's Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR). The strongest detection came from a 1.1 km-wide crater inside Faustini crater, where doubly shadowed regions with temperatures around 25 Kelvin favour long-term water ice preservation. These findings could be crucial for future lunar exploration and in-situ resource utilisation.

2026-05-30

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Background

Chandrayaan-2 is India's second lunar mission, launched by ISRO in July 2019. While the Vikram lander lost communication during its landing attempt, the orbiter continues to provide valuable scientific data.

DFSAR Payload

The Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) onboard Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is:

A microwave imaging instrument operating in L-band and S-band frequencies
First fully polarimetric synthetic aperture radar designed specifically to study the Moon

Key Findings

Study Focus

Targeted doubly shadowed craters located inside permanently shadowed regions
These regions experience extremely cold conditions of approximately 25 Kelvin (-248°C)
Such cold temperatures favour long-term preservation of water ice

Detection Details

Radar signatures indicated possible subsurface ice beneath four doubly shadowed craters
Strongest evidence from a 1.1 km-wide crater inside Faustini crater

Radar Criteria for Ice Detection

Circular Polarization Ratio (CPR) > 1
Degree of Polarization (DOP) < 0.13
These values indicate volumetric scattering associated with subsurface ice

Morphological Evidence

The crater inside Faustini showed lobate-rim morphology
Suggests that the impact event may have penetrated subsurface ice

Significance

Future Lunar Exploration: May help identify potential ice-bearing sites for landing missions
In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU): Water ice can be used as a resource for future human missions
Scientific Understanding: Enhances knowledge of lunar volatiles and their distribution

Institutions Involved

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad - conducted the study
ISRO - provided the Chandrayaan-2 mission platform

Related Information

Chandrayaan-3 was India's subsequent lunar mission, continuing India's lunar exploration programme.