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[[File:4574 LROMoonFrost MASTER.webm|thumb|A view of the south pole of the Moon showing where reflectance and temperature data indicate the possible presence of surface water ice.]]
[[File:4574 LROMoonFrost MASTER.webm|thumb|A view of the south pole of the Moon showing where reflectance and temperature data indicate the possible presence of surface water ice.]]


The '''lunar south pole''' is the southernmost point on the Moon, at 90°S. It is of special interest to scientists because of the occurrence of [[lunar water|water ice]] in [[Crater of eternal darkness|permanently shadowed areas]] around it. The lunar south pole region features craters that are unique in that the near-constant sunlight does not reach their interior. Such craters are [[cold trap (astronomy)|cold traps]] that contain a fossil record of hydrogen, water ice, and other volatiles dating from the [[Formation and evolution of the Solar System|early Solar System]].<ref>{{cite web |date=February 27, 2008 |url=https://www.space.com/5018-nasa-takes-aim-moon-double-sledgehammer.html |title=NASA Takes Aim at Moon with Double Sledgehammer |publisher=[[Space.com]] |access-date=March 4, 2010}}</ref><ref name="look"/> In contrast, the [[lunar north pole]] region exhibits a much lower quantity of similarly sheltered craters.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 3, 1996
The '''Lunar South Pole''' is the southernmost point on the Moon, at 90°S. It is of special interest to scientists because of the occurrence of [[lunar water|water ice]] in [[Crater of eternal darkness|permanently shadowed areas]] around it. The lunar south pole region features craters that are unique in that the near-constant sunlight does not reach their interior. Such craters are [[cold trap (astronomy)|cold traps]] that contain a fossil record of hydrogen, water ice, and other volatiles dating from the [[Formation and evolution of the Solar System|early Solar System]].<ref>{{cite web |date=February 27, 2008 |url=https://www.space.com/5018-nasa-takes-aim-moon-double-sledgehammer.html |title=NASA Takes Aim at Moon with Double Sledgehammer |publisher=[[Space.com]] |access-date=March 4, 2010}}</ref><ref name="look"/> In contrast, the [[lunar north pole]] region exhibits a much lower quantity of similarly sheltered craters.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 3, 1996
|url=http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~4~4~24613~128290:South-Pole-Region-of-the-Moon-as-Se?qvq=q:moon+south+pole;lc:NVA2~35~35,NVA2~32~32,NVA2~31~31,NVA2~19~19,nasaNAS~16~16,nasaNAS~2~2,NSVS~3~3,nasaNAS~9~9,NVA2~4~4,NVA2~15~15,NVA2~24~24,NVA2~29~29,nasaNAS~12~12,nasaNAS~8~8,nasaNAS~7~7,NVA2~22~22,nasaNAS~10~10,NVA2~13~13,NVA2~18~18,NVA2~27~27,NVA2~9~9,NVA2~1~1,nasaNAS~6~6,NVA2~25~25,NVA2~20~20,nasaNAS~13~13,nasaNAS~22~22,NVA2~16~16,NVA2~8~8,nasaNAS~5~5,nasaNAS~4~4,NVA2~28~28,NVA2~14~14,nasaNAS~20~20,NVA2~17~17,NVA2~30~30,NVA2~21~21,NVA2~26~26,NVA2~23~23,NVA2~44~44,NVA2~42~42,NVA2~38~38,NVA2~45~45,NVA2~39~39,NVA2~43~43,NVA2~41~41,NVA2~37~37,NVA2~49~49,NVA2~53~53,NVA2~51~51,NVA2~56~56,NVA2~47~47,NVA2~54~54,NVA2~33~33,NVA2~36~36,NVA2~34~34,NVA2~57~57,NVA2~52~52,NVA2~48~48,NVA2~50~50,NVA2~46~46,NVA2~55~55,NVA2~58~58,NVA2~62~62,NVA2~60~60,NVA2~59~59,NVA2~61~61&mi=13&trs=278
|url=http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~4~4~24613~128290:South-Pole-Region-of-the-Moon-as-Se?qvq=q:moon+south+pole;lc:NVA2~35~35,NVA2~32~32,NVA2~31~31,NVA2~19~19,nasaNAS~16~16,nasaNAS~2~2,NSVS~3~3,nasaNAS~9~9,NVA2~4~4,NVA2~15~15,NVA2~24~24,NVA2~29~29,nasaNAS~12~12,nasaNAS~8~8,nasaNAS~7~7,NVA2~22~22,nasaNAS~10~10,NVA2~13~13,NVA2~18~18,NVA2~27~27,NVA2~9~9,NVA2~1~1,nasaNAS~6~6,NVA2~25~25,NVA2~20~20,nasaNAS~13~13,nasaNAS~22~22,NVA2~16~16,NVA2~8~8,nasaNAS~5~5,nasaNAS~4~4,NVA2~28~28,NVA2~14~14,nasaNAS~20~20,NVA2~17~17,NVA2~30~30,NVA2~21~21,NVA2~26~26,NVA2~23~23,NVA2~44~44,NVA2~42~42,NVA2~38~38,NVA2~45~45,NVA2~39~39,NVA2~43~43,NVA2~41~41,NVA2~37~37,NVA2~49~49,NVA2~53~53,NVA2~51~51,NVA2~56~56,NVA2~47~47,NVA2~54~54,NVA2~33~33,NVA2~36~36,NVA2~34~34,NVA2~57~57,NVA2~52~52,NVA2~48~48,NVA2~50~50,NVA2~46~46,NVA2~55~55,NVA2~58~58,NVA2~62~62,NVA2~60~60,NVA2~59~59,NVA2~61~61&mi=13&trs=278
|title=South Pole Region of the Moon as Seen by Clementine |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=March 4, 2010}}</ref>
|title=South Pole Region of the Moon as Seen by Clementine |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=March 4, 2010}}</ref>
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==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Lunar south pole summer_annotated.jpg|thumbnail|right|The several hundred kilometer wide Lunar south polar region as irradiated during summer. The south pole lies at the rim of [[Shackleton (crater)|Shackleton crater]]. The region is shadowed by the well illuminated [[Leibnitz plateau]], flanked on the right by the [[Nobile (crater)|Nobile crater]] and to the left by the partly shadowed [[Malapert (crater)|Malapert crater]] and its Malapert peak illuminated at the rim of [[Haworth (crater)|Haworth crater]].]]
[[File:Lunar south pole summer_annotated.jpg|thumbnail|right|The several hundred kilometer wide Lunar south polar region as irradiated during summer. The south pole lies at the rim of [[Shackleton (crater)|Shackleton crater]]. The region is shadowed by the well illuminated [[Leibnitz plateau]], flanked on the right by the [[Nobile (crater)|Nobile crater]] and to the left by the partly shadowed [[Malapert (crater)|Malapert crater]] and its Malapert peak illuminated at the rim of [[Haworth (crater)|Haworth crater]].]]
The lunar south pole is located on the center of the polar Antarctic Circle (80°S to 90°S).<ref name="look">[https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/lroc-20100927_southpole.html Lunar South Pole.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624030152/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/lroc-20100927_southpole.html |date=24 June 2017 }} NASA. 2017. Accessed on 16 July 2019.</ref><ref>[https://xefer.com/2011/10/lunar-arctic-circle The Lunar Arctic Circle.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229020853/https://xefer.com/2011/10/lunar-arctic-circle |date=29 December 2018 }} ''Xefer''. October 10, 2011.</ref> The lunar south pole has shifted 5 degrees from its original position billions of years ago.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} This shift has changed the rotational axis of the Moon, allowing sunlight to reach previously shadowed areas, but the south pole still features some completely shadowed areas. The axis spin is 88.5 degrees from the plane of the elliptic. On the contrary, the pole also contains areas with permanent exposure to sunlight. The south pole region features many craters and basins such as the [[South Pole–Aitken basin]], which appears to be one of the most fundamental features of the Moon,<ref name="daddy">{{cite journal |bibcode=1995LPI....26.1339S |title=Physical Environment of the Lunar South Pole from Clementine Data: Implications for Future Exploration of the Moon |journal=Abstracts of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference |volume=26 |pages=1339 |last1=Spudis |first1=P. D. |last2=Stockstill |first2=K. R. |last3=Ockels |first3=W. J. |last4=Kruijff |first4=M. |year=1995}}</ref> and mountains, such as Epsilon Peak at 9.050&nbsp;km, taller than any mountain found on Earth.<ref name="orange">[https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm-webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia/Planetary_Science/binders/moon/moon_images/lunar_south_pole_1.html Lunar South Pole] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418162941/https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm-webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia/Planetary_Science/binders/moon/moon_images/lunar_south_pole_1.html |date=18 April 2017 }}. (2017). Fossweb.com. Retrieved 29 March 2017.</ref> The south pole temperature averages at approximately {{cvt|260|K|C F}}.<ref name="daddy"/>
The lunar south pole is located on the center of the polar Antarctic Circle (80°S to 90°S).<ref name="look">[https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/lroc-20100927_southpole.html Lunar South Pole.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624030152/https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/multimedia/lroimages/lroc-20100927_southpole.html |date=24 June 2017 }} NASA. 2017. Accessed on 16 July 2019.</ref><ref>[https://xefer.com/2011/10/lunar-arctic-circle The Lunar Arctic Circle.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229020853/https://xefer.com/2011/10/lunar-arctic-circle |date=29 December 2018 }} ''Xefer''. October 10, 2011.</ref> (The axis spin is 88.5 degrees from the plane of the elliptic.) The lunar south pole has shifted 5 degrees from its original position billions of years ago.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} This shift has changed the rotational axis of the Moon, allowing sunlight to reach previously shadowed areas, but the south pole still features some completely shadowed areas. Conversely, the pole also contains areas with permanent exposure to sunlight. The south pole region features many craters and basins such as the [[South Pole–Aitken basin]], which appears to be one of the most fundamental features of the Moon,<ref name="daddy">{{cite journal |bibcode=1995LPI....26.1339S |title=Physical Environment of the Lunar South Pole from Clementine Data: Implications for Future Exploration of the Moon |journal=Abstracts of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference |volume=26 |pages=1339 |last1=Spudis |first1=P. D. |last2=Stockstill |first2=K. R. |last3=Ockels |first3=W. J. |last4=Kruijff |first4=M. |year=1995}}</ref> and mountains, such as Epsilon Peak at 9.050&nbsp;km, taller than any mountain found on Earth.<ref name="orange">[https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm-webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia/Planetary_Science/binders/moon/moon_images/lunar_south_pole_1.html Lunar South Pole] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418162941/https://www.fossweb.com/delegate/ssi-wdf-ucm-webContent/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia/Planetary_Science/binders/moon/moon_images/lunar_south_pole_1.html |date=18 April 2017 }}. (2017). Fossweb.com. Retrieved 29 March 2017.</ref> The south pole temperature averages at approximately {{cvt|260|K|C F}}.<ref name="daddy"/>


===Craters===
===Craters===
The rotational axis of the [[Moon]] lies within [[Shackleton (crater)|Shackleton Crater]]. Notable [[List of craters on the Moon|craters]] nearest to the lunar south pole include [[De Gerlache (crater)|De Gerlache]], [[Sverdrup (crater)|Sverdrup]], [[Shoemaker (lunar crater)|Shoemaker]], [[Faustini (crater)|Faustini]], [[Haworth (crater)|Haworth]], [[Nobile (crater)|Nobile]], and [[Cabeus (crater)|Cabeus]].
The pole defined by the rotational axis of the Moon lies within [[Shackleton (crater)|Shackleton Crater]]. Notable [[List of craters on the Moon|craters]] nearest to the lunar south pole include [[De Gerlache (crater)|De Gerlache]], [[Sverdrup (crater)|Sverdrup]], [[Shoemaker (lunar crater)|Shoemaker]], [[Faustini (crater)|Faustini]], [[Haworth (crater)|Haworth]], [[Nobile (crater)|Nobile]], and [[Cabeus (crater)|Cabeus]].


==Discoveries==
==Discoveries==
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The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was launched on 18 June 2009 and is still mapping the lunar south pole region. This mission will help scientists see if the lunar south pole region has enough sustainable resources to sustain a permanent crewed station. The LRO carries the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment, which is investigating the radiation and thermophysical properties of the south pole surface. It can detect reflected solar radiation and internal infrared emissions. The LRO Diviner is able to detect where [[Lunar water|water ice]] could be trapped on the surface.<ref name="mama">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.pss.2016.01.013 |title=Thermal behavior of regolith at cold traps on the Moon's south pole: Revealed by Chang'E-2 microwave radiometer data |journal=Planetary and Space Science |volume=122 |pages=101 |year=2016 |last1=Wei |first1=Guangfei |last2=Li |first2=Xiongyao |last3=Wang |first3=Shijie |bibcode=2016P&SS..122..101W}}</ref>
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) was launched on 18 June 2009 and is still mapping the lunar south pole region. This mission will help scientists see if the lunar south pole region has enough sustainable resources to sustain a permanent crewed station. The LRO carries the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment, which is investigating the radiation and thermophysical properties of the south pole surface. It can detect reflected solar radiation and internal infrared emissions. The LRO Diviner is able to detect where [[Lunar water|water ice]] could be trapped on the surface.<ref name="mama">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.pss.2016.01.013 |title=Thermal behavior of regolith at cold traps on the Moon's south pole: Revealed by Chang'E-2 microwave radiometer data |journal=Planetary and Space Science |volume=122 |pages=101 |year=2016 |last1=Wei |first1=Guangfei |last2=Li |first2=Xiongyao |last3=Wang |first3=Shijie |bibcode=2016P&SS..122..101W}}</ref>


The [[Moon Impact Probe]] (MIP) developed by the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO), India's national space agency, was a lunar probe that was released by ISRO's [[Chandrayaan-1]] lunar remote sensing orbiter which in turn was launched, on 22 October 2008. The [[Moon Impact Probe]] separated from the Moon-orbiting [[Chandrayaan-1]] on 14 November 2008, 20:06 IST and after nearly 25 minutes crashed as planned, near the rim of [[Shackleton Crater]]. With this mission [[India]] became the first to hard land or impact on Lunar South pole.  
The [[Moon Impact Probe]] (MIP) developed by the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO), India's national space agency, was a lunar probe that was released by ISRO's [[Chandrayaan-1]] lunar remote sensing orbiter which in turn was launched, on 22 October 2008. The [[Moon Impact Probe]] separated from the Moon-orbiting [[Chandrayaan-1]] on 14 November 2008, 20:06 IST and after nearly 25 minutes crashed as planned, near the rim of [[Shackleton Crater]]. With this mission [[India]] became the first to soft land or impact on Lunar South pole.


India's second lunar mission [[Chandrayaan-2]], which was launched on 22 July 2019, attempted to soft-land on the south polar region of the Moon<ref name=sciencemag-2018-01-31>{{cite news |url= https://www.science.org/content/article/india-plans-tricky-and-unprecedented-landing-near-moon-s-south-pole |title= India plans tricky and unprecedented landing near moon's south pole |author= Pallava Bagla |date= 31 Jan 2018 |publisher= sciencemag.org}}</ref> between 70.90267°S  22.78110°E and 67.87406°S  18.46947°W.<ref name="Amitabh2018">{{cite conference |url=https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2018/pdf/1975.pdf |title=Potential Landing Sites for Chandrayaan-2 Lander in Southern Hemisphere of Moon |conference=49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. 19–23 March 2018. The Woodlands, Texas. |first1=S. |last1=Amitabh |first2=T. P. |last2=Srinivasan |first3=K. |last3=Suresh |date=2018 |bibcode=2018LPI....49.1975A |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822054335/https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2018/pdf/1975.pdf |archive-date=22 August 2018}}</ref> The lander failed to land safely, losing communication barely 335m from the ground.<ref name='Hard landing TOI'>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vikram-lander-located-did-not-soft-land-on-moon-isro/articleshow/71037009.cms Vikram lander located on lunar surface, wasn't a soft landing: Isro.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/vikram-lander-located-did-not-soft-land-on-moon-isro/articleshow/71037009.cms |date=12 November 2020 }} ''Times of India''. 8 September 2019.</ref>
Russia launched its [[Luna 25]] lunar lander on August 10, 2023. Luna-25 spent five days journeying to the Moon, then was circling the natural satellite for another five to seven days. The spacecraft then was planned to be set down in the Moon's south polar region, near [[Boguslawsky (crater)|Boguslawsky crater]]. Luna developed an "emergency situation" that occurred during the reduction of the probe to a pre-landing orbit, the lunar lander abruptly lost communication at 2:57 p.m. (11:57 GMT). Luna 25 is a lander only, with a primary mission of proving the landing technology. The mission was carrying {{cvt|30|kg}} of scientific instruments, including a robotic arm for soil samples and possible drilling hardware.<ref name=gunters>{{cite web|last=Zak|first=Anatoly |url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/luna_glob_lander.html|title=The Luna-Glob lander|work=RussianSpaceWeb.com|date=9 October 2019|access-date=14 January 2020}}</ref> The launch took place as planned on 10 August 2023<ref name="tass-20230605">{{cite web |url=https://tass.ru/kosmos/17932551 |title=Запуск первой в истории современной России миссии на Луну запланировали на 11 августа |trans-title=The launch of the first mission to the Moon in the history of modern Russia was scheduled for August 11 |language=ru |date=5 June 2023 |access-date=5 June 2023 |work=TASS}}</ref> on a [[Soyuz-2|Soyuz-2.1b]] rocket with [[Fregat]] upper stage, from [[Vostochny Cosmodrome]].<ref name="ria-20220408">{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20220408/kosmos-1782483820.html |title=Запуск миссии "Луна-25" с космодрома Восточный запланировали на 22 августа |trans-title=The launch of the Luna-25 mission from the Vostochny Cosmodrome was scheduled for August 22 |work=[[RIA Novosti]] |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022 |language=ru}}</ref><ref name="ria-20200317">{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20200317/1568701598.html|title=Россия запустит космический аппарат на Луну 1 октября 2021 года|trans-title=Russia will launch a spacecraft to the moon on October 1, 2021|agency=RIA Novosti|date=17 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020|language=ru}}</ref>
 
==Successful Missions==
On August 23, 2023, 18:04 IST, India's [[Chandrayaan-3]] became the first lunar mission to achieve a soft landing on the lunar south pole, two days after [[Luna 25]] crashed on 21 August 2023. This was due to the Engine that was supposed to put the spacecraft into pre-landing orbit working for 127 seconds instead of the planned 84 seconds. This was the main cause of the probe's crash.


===Role in the future exploration and observations===
===Role in the future exploration and observations===
The lunar south pole region is deemed as a compelling spot for future exploration missions and suitable for a lunar outpost. The permanently shadowed places on the Moon could contain ice and other minerals, which would be vital resources for future explorers. The mountain peaks near the pole are illuminated for large periods of time and could be used to provide solar energy to an outpost. With an outpost on the Moon scientists will be able to analyze water and other volatile samples dating back to the [[Formation and evolution of the Solar System|formation of the Solar System]].<ref name="look"/>
The lunar south pole region is deemed as a compelling spot for future exploration missions and suitable for a lunar outpost. The permanently shadowed places on the Moon could contain ice and other minerals, which would be vital resources for future explorers. The mountain peaks near the pole are illuminated for large periods of time and could be used to provide solar energy to an outpost. With an outpost on the Moon scientists will be able to analyze water and other volatile samples dating back to the [[Formation and evolution of the Solar System|formation of the Solar System]].<ref name="look"/>


Scientists used LOLA (Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter), which was a device used by [[NASA]] to provide an accurate topographic model of the Moon.<ref>[NASA – LOLA. (2017). Nasa.gov. Retrieved 29 March 2017, from https://lola.gsfc.nasa.gov/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205231722/https://lola.gsfc.nasa.gov/ |date=5 February 2017 }}]</ref> With this data locations near the south pole at Connecting Ridge, which connects Shackleton Crater to the de Gerlache crater,<ref name="set">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.icarus.2014.08.013 |title=Illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using high resolution Digital Terrain Models from LOLA |journal=Icarus |volume=243 |pages=78–90 |year=2014 |last1=Gläser |first1=P. |last2=Scholten |first2=F. |last3=De Rosa |first3=D. |last4=Marco Figuera |first4=R. |last5=Oberst |first5=J. |last6=Mazarico |first6=E. |last7=Neumann |first7=G.A. |last8=Robinson |first8=M.S. |bibcode=2014Icar..243...78G}}</ref> were found that yielded sunlight for 92.27–95.65% of the time based on altitude ranging from 2 m above ground to 10 m above ground. At the same spots it was discovered that the longest continuous periods of darkness were only 3 to 5 days.<ref name="set"/>
Scientists used LOLA (Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter), which was a device used by [[NASA]] to provide an accurate topographic model of the Moon.<ref>[NASA – LOLA. (2017). Nasa.gov. Retrieved 29 March 2017, from https://lola.gsfc.nasa.gov/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205231722/https://lola.gsfc.nasa.gov/ |date=5 February 2017 }}]</ref> With this data locations near the south pole at Connecting Ridge, which connects Shackleton Crater to the de Gerlache crater,<ref name="set">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.icarus.2014.08.013 |title=Illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using high resolution Digital Terrain Models from LOLA |journal=Icarus |volume=243 |pages=78–90 |year=2014 |last1=Gläser |first1=P. |last2=Scholten |first2=F. |last3=De Rosa |first3=D. |last4=Marco Figuera |first4=R. |last5=Oberst |first5=J. |last6=Mazarico |first6=E. |last7=Neumann |first7=G.A. |last8=Robinson |first8=M.S. |bibcode=2014Icar..243...78G}}</ref> were found that yielded sunlight for 92.27–95.65% of the time based on altitude ranging from 2 m above ground to 10 m above ground. At the same spots, it was discovered that the longest continuous periods of darkness were only 3 to 5 days.<ref name="set"/>


The lunar south pole is a place where scientists may be able to perform unique astronomical observations of radio waves under 30&nbsp;MHz. The Chinese [[Chang'e 4#Longjiang microsatellites|''Longjiang'' microsatellites]] were launched in May 2018 to orbit the Moon, and ''Longjiang-2'' operated in this frequency until 31 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2019/longjiang-2-impacts-moon.html|title=Lunar Orbiter Longjiang-2 Smashes into Moon|website=www.planetary.org|language=en|access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=planet4589 |number=1156732417950048256 |title=The Chinese Longjiang-2 (DSLWP-B) lunar orbiting spacecraft completed its mission on Jul 31 at about 1420 UTC, in a planned i[m]pact on the lunar surface. |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="microorbiters">[https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy Chang'e-4 lunar far side mission to carry microsatellites for pioneering astronomy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309170851/https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy |date=9 March 2018 }}. Andrew Jones, ''GB Times''. March 2018.</ref><ref name="C4 Payload">[http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf The scientific objectives and payloads of Chang'E−4 mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819083527/http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf |date=19 August 2019 }}. (PDF) Yingzhuo Jia, Yongliao Zou, Jinsong Ping, Changbin Xue, Jun Yan, Yuanming Ning. ''Planetary and Space Science''. 21 February 2018. {{doi|10.1016/j.pss.2018.02.011}}</ref> Before ''Longjiang-2'', no space observatory had been able to observe astronomical radio waves in this frequency because interference waves from equipment on Earth. Though facing Earth the lunar south pole has mountains and basins, like the south side of [[Malapert Mountain]] that are not facing Earth and would be an ideal place to receive such astronomical radio signals from a ground radio observatory.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0273-1177(03)00540-4 |title=A concept for a simple radio observatory at the lunar south pole |journal=Advances in Space Research |volume=31 |issue=11 |pages=2473–2478 |year=2003 |last1=Takahashi |first1=Yuki D. |bibcode=2003AdSpR..31.2473T}}</ref>
The lunar south pole is a place where scientists may be able to perform unique astronomical observations of radio waves under 30&nbsp;MHz. The Chinese [[Chang'e 4#Longjiang microsatellites|''Longjiang'' microsatellites]] were launched in May 2018 to orbit the Moon, and ''Longjiang-2'' operated in this frequency until 31 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2019/longjiang-2-impacts-moon.html|title=Lunar Orbiter Longjiang-2 Smashes into Moon|website=www.planetary.org|language=en|access-date=2019-09-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=planet4589 |number=1156732417950048256 |title=The Chinese Longjiang-2 (DSLWP-B) lunar orbiting spacecraft completed its mission on Jul 31 at about 1420 UTC, in a planned i[m]pact on the lunar surface. |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="microorbiters">[https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy Chang'e-4 lunar far side mission to carry microsatellites for pioneering astronomy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309170851/https://gbtimes.com/change-4-lunar-far-side-mission-to-carry-microsatellites-for-pioneering-astronomy |date=9 March 2018 }}. Andrew Jones, ''GB Times''. March 2018.</ref><ref name="C4 Payload">[http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf The scientific objectives and payloads of Chang'E−4 mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819083527/http://epizodyspace.ru/bibl/inostr-yazyki/planetary-and-space-science/2018/Jia_et_al_The_Chang-E-4_Mission_Planetary_and_Space_Science_in_press_(2017).pdf |date=19 August 2019 }}. (PDF) Yingzhuo Jia, Yongliao Zou, Jinsong Ping, Changbin Xue, Jun Yan, Yuanming Ning. ''Planetary and Space Science''. 21 February 2018. {{doi|10.1016/j.pss.2018.02.011}}</ref> Before ''Longjiang-2'', no space observatory had been able to observe astronomical radio waves in this frequency because interference waves from equipment on Earth. Though facing Earth the lunar south pole has mountains and basins, like the south side of [[Malapert Mountain]] that are not facing Earth and would be an ideal place to receive such astronomical radio signals from a ground radio observatory.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0273-1177(03)00540-4 |title=A concept for a simple radio observatory at the lunar south pole |journal=Advances in Space Research |volume=31 |issue=11 |pages=2473–2478 |year=2003 |last1=Takahashi |first1=Yuki D. |bibcode=2003AdSpR..31.2473T}}</ref>
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!rowspan=2 valign=top|Compound!!rowspan=2 valign=top|Formula!!colspan=2|Composition
!rowspan=2 valign=top|Compound!!rowspan=2 valign=top|Formula!!colspan=2|Composition
|-
|-
!style=font-size:smaller|Maria!!style=font-size:smaller|Highlands
!style=font-size:smaller|[[Lunar mare|Maria]]!!style=font-size:smaller|Highlands
|-
|-
|style=text-align:left|[[Silicon dioxide|silica]]||SiO<sub>2</sub>||45.4%||45.5%
|style=text-align:left|[[Silicon dioxide|silica]]||SiO<sub>2</sub>||45.4%||45.5%
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|style=text-align:left|[[sodium oxide]]||Na<sub>2</sub>O||0.6%||0.6%
|style=text-align:left|[[sodium oxide]]||Na<sub>2</sub>O||0.6%||0.6%
|-
|-
!colspan=2|&nbsp;||99.9%!!100.0%
!colspan=2|Total||99.9%!!100.0%
|}
|}
Solar power, oxygen, and metals are abundant resources on the south polar region.<ref name='Hugo 2019'>[https://www.thespaceresource.com/news/2019/4/why-the-lunar-south-pole Why the Lunar South Pole?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905223225/https://www.thespaceresource.com/news/2019/4/why-the-lunar-south-pole |date=5 September 2020 }} Adam Hugo. ''The Space Resource''. 25 April 2019.</ref> By locating a lunar resource processing facility near the south pole, solar-generated electrical power will allow for nearly constant operation.<ref>[https://space.nss.org/lunar-resources-unlocking-the-space-frontier/ Lunar Resources: Unlocking the Space Frontier.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717043527/https://space.nss.org/lunar-resources-unlocking-the-space-frontier/ |date=17 July 2019 }} Paul D. Spudis. ''Ad Astra'', Volume 23 Number 2, Summer 2011. Published by the National Space Society. Retrieved on 16 July 2019.</ref> Elements known to be present on the lunar surface include, among others, [[hydrogen]] (H),<ref>{{cite web | author = S. Maurice | title = Distribution of hydrogen at the surface of the moon | url = http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2003/pdf/1867.pdf }}</ref> [[oxygen]] (O), [[silicon]] (Si), [[iron]] (Fe), [[magnesium]] (Mg), [[calcium]] (Ca), [[aluminium]] (Al), [[manganese]] (Mn) and [[titanium]] (Ti). Among the more abundant are oxygen, iron and silicon. The oxygen content is estimated at 45% (by weight).  
Solar power, oxygen, and metals are abundant resources in the south polar region.<ref name='Hugo 2019'>[https://www.thespaceresource.com/news/2019/4/why-the-lunar-south-pole Why the Lunar South Pole?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905223225/https://www.thespaceresource.com/news/2019/4/why-the-lunar-south-pole |date=5 September 2020 }} Adam Hugo. ''The Space Resource''. 25 April 2019.</ref> By locating a lunar resource processing facility near the south pole, solar-generated electrical power will allow for nearly constant operation.<ref>[https://space.nss.org/lunar-resources-unlocking-the-space-frontier/ Lunar Resources: Unlocking the Space Frontier.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717043527/https://space.nss.org/lunar-resources-unlocking-the-space-frontier/ |date=17 July 2019 }} Paul D. Spudis. ''Ad Astra'', Volume 23 Number 2, Summer 2011. Published by the National Space Society. Retrieved on 16 July 2019.</ref> Elements known to be present on the lunar surface include, among others, [[hydrogen]] (H),<ref>{{cite web | author = S. Maurice | title = Distribution of hydrogen at the surface of the moon | url = http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2003/pdf/1867.pdf | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081217170442/http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2003/pdf/1867.pdf | archive-date = 2008-12-17 }}</ref> [[oxygen]] (O), [[silicon]] (Si), [[iron]] (Fe), [[magnesium]] (Mg), [[calcium]] (Ca), [[aluminium]] (Al), [[manganese]] (Mn) and [[titanium]] (Ti). Among the more abundant are oxygen, iron and silicon. The oxygen content is estimated at 45% (by weight).  
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NASA's [[Artemis program]] has proposed to land several robotic landers and rovers ([[Commercial Lunar Payload Services|CLPS]]) in preparation for the 2025 [[Artemis 3]] crewed landing at the south polar region.<ref name="a3-2">{{Cite web|last=Chang|first=Kenneth|title=For Artemis Mission to Moon, NASA Seeks to Add Billions to Budget| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html| website=[[The New York Times]]| access-date=25 May 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525034839/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html |archive-date=25 May 2019 |date=25 May 2019| quote=Under the NASA plan, a mission to land on the moon would take place during the third launch of the Space Launch System. Astronauts, including the first woman to walk on the moon, Mr. Bridenstine said, would first stop at the orbiting lunar outpost. They would then take a lander to the surface near its south pole, where frozen water exists within the craters.| url-status=live|url-access=limited}}</ref>
NASA's [[Artemis program]] has proposed to land several robotic landers and rovers ([[Commercial Lunar Payload Services|CLPS]]) in preparation for the 2025 [[Artemis 3]] crewed landing at the south polar region.<ref name="a3-2">{{Cite web|last=Chang|first=Kenneth|title=For Artemis Mission to Moon, NASA Seeks to Add Billions to Budget| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html| website=[[The New York Times]]| access-date=25 May 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525034839/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html |archive-date=25 May 2019 |date=25 May 2019| quote=Under the NASA plan, a mission to land on the moon would take place during the third launch of the Space Launch System. Astronauts, including the first woman to walk on the moon, Mr. Bridenstine said, would first stop at the orbiting lunar outpost. They would then take a lander to the surface near its south pole, where frozen water exists within the craters.| url-status=live|url-access=limited}}</ref>
Following [[Chandrayaan-2]], where a last-minute glitch in the soft landing guidance software led to the failure of the lander's soft landing attempt after a successful orbital insertion, another lunar mission for demonstrating soft landing was proposed. Mission profile of [[Chandrayaan-3]] will be a repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only include a lander and rover, unlike the latter which also included an orbiter. The spacecraft was launched on 14 July of 2023 at 14:35 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] (11:05 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) and is expected to land on the moon on 23 August around 17:37 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] (14:07 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Chandrayaan-3 to be launched in July this year, ISRO chief confirms|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/chandrayaan-3-to-be-launched-in-july-this-year-isro-chief-confirms/articleshow/100587757.cms?from=mdr|publisher=The Economic Times|access-date=22 June 2023}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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