Veggies on the moon
When China collected samples on the far side of the moon, these samples indicated that a hydrated mineral containing molecular water was found in lunar soil. Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), along with scholars from renowned Chinese universities, revealed they have discovered ULM-1, an unidentified mineral crystal from the lunar samples retrieved by Chang’e-5 mission, which is enriched with water molecules and ammonium, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.
Note this is research from Chang’e-5, not yet the Chang’e-6 mission.
This mineral has water molecules accounting for as much as 41 percent of the sample’s mass. These hydrated minerals are rich in ammonia, which is a type of nitrogen fertilizer, similar to ammonium bicarbonate used on Earth. In addition, there is also small amount of potassium found in the mineral, which is a potassium fertilizer.
The Chinese netizens are so excited, all talking about back-yard gardens on the moon, yet it is not so easy. A very basic report on Global Times has more. Great stuff and even at this early stage, a large step for mankind I think.
Take a look: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202407/1316756.shtml
I have seen reports that there is a search(assume by ground penetrating radar, for voids – for caves, lava tubes, and such, on, in, the lunar surface. These, then, presumably, for habitation and gardens. iirc ammonium hydrates give up water upon heating. Greenhouse gardens are clearly in the general plan…… Read more »
Its been happening for a long time. In the Chinese space station and small greenhouse.
https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-grow-vegetables-tiangong-space-station
“I am here, standing here on the northern flank, on the eastern flank, talking about what we have in terms of the eastern flank and our NATO allies, and what is at stake at this very moment, what is at stake this very moment are some of the guiding principles…”… Read more »
Oh dear, apogee and perigee would be to difficult I think.
I had to go and look up that word – of course one has an idea but I wanted to know what it meant and got way more than I bargained for.