A new study suggests that Moon soil could help sustain life by supporting the extraction of water and the production of oxygen and fuel.

Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong developed a method that uses solar heat to convert lunar soil and CO₂ into usable resources.

Published in Joule, the study highlights potential cost savings for future space missions, noting that sending just one gallon of water to the Moon costs about $83,000, Euro News has reported.

However, challenges remain due to the Moon’s harsh environment and limited CO₂ from astronauts, which may not meet all resource needs.

Written by B.C. Begley