The Global Race to the Moon's South Pole: Explained
Countries and private companies are racing to the moon's heavily cratered south pole due to the presence of frozen water, which is seen as a key resource for moon colonization, lunar mining, and potential missions to Mars. Scientists have found evidence of water on the moon's surface and below its surface in shadowed craters. Water on the moon is important because it could provide drinking water, cooling for equipment, and be broken down to produce hydrogen for fuel and oxygen to breathe. The south pole is particularly challenging due to its craters and deep trenches, but countries like India, the United States, and China have planned missions to this region.