Future Astronauts Could Explore Lunar Mantle Rocks Near Artemis Landing Sites
Future Astronauts Could Explore Lunar Mantle Rocks Near Artemis Landing Sites
US · Published Jun 23, 2026
Scientists have uncovered new insights into the Moon's largest and oldest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, which could hold valuable material from the Moon's mantle.
Using advanced computer simulations, researchers recreated the ancient collision that formed the SPA basin, revealing that a low-angle impact from a differentiated object with an iron core blasted material from deep inside the Moon.

Impact & Risks

The discovery could significantly impact lunar exploration by providing Artemis astronauts access to mantle-derived material, which may offer clues about the Moon's origin and evolution. However, the challenging terrain and the presence of ejected material could pose risks to both robotic and human missions. Understanding the distribution of mantle material is crucial for safe and effective exploration.

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