Ice on the moon a "game-changer"

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

I thought water would flash off, in a vacuum?

Apparently it is frozen at a very cold temperature, which keeps it solid and stable.

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

I think the idea is that if there is that much water in that much area, there will be X amount (lots more) to be used for future missions.

That's the idea, but they had to look in the shjadows of a crater near the moon's south pole.... not exactly a typical part of the moon (but it does suggest that there is at least water about.

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

It's only useful if we're there. The question remains, what the fuck are we doing there? Whatever it is, it's got to be uber expensive/difficult/dangerous, so what's the payback, other than satisfying someone's curiosity?

And couldn't that money/effort be better used right here on Earth?

Regretfully, I have to agree. Going to and living on the moon would be waaay cool, but the resources required could rehabilitate a much larger area of damaged farmland, restore a few rainforests, rejuvenate some run down urban areas, and have enough left over to have a kick-ass moon-theme party afterwards.