A2_7 Claiming water from the Moon

Abstract

This paper looks at how the recently discovered water-ice on the Moon could be employed for use in a long term mission or a more permanent Lunar Base.  We find that to create liquid water at least 7.7 x 10⁵ J kg^-1 is needed.  The ways of producing this energy requirement through solar panel technology or using the Sun’s radiation directly is discussed.  We find that the most realistic approach is via solar panels, and that these need only be of modest size (3.4m²) to supply enough water to support a five-person crew on the moon.