In Pursuit Of Water - On The Moon

After ignoring it for 40 years, NASA scientists are in pursuit of the Moon again - This time to see if there is any water on the natural satellite (a celestial body that orbits a planet). On June 18th, Atlas V blasted off from Cape Canaveral , carrying with it a Spacecraft and a Lunar Robotic Satellite.

The spacecraft, nicknamed LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite), will use its high precision tools, as well as, pictures from the Lunar Robotic Satellite, to scan the surface of the moon in a quest find a perfect crater to crash into.

Then on October 9th, it will launch a two-ton rocket at speeds exceeding 5,600 mph and target it toward the chosen crater to enlarge it. Four minutes after the crash, a probe will analyze the debris for signs of water. With its mission completed, this spacecraft will lose its power and die on the Moon.

The Lunar Robotic Satellite, however, will continue to orbit the Moon for a year, sending back detailed pictures, which will allow NASA scientists to map out the satellite and locate areas that may be most suited for human landing.

The $580mm USD project, has been conceived to confirm if there is any frozen water under the surface of the Moon, to pave the way for NASA's plan to land humans back on the moon by 2020. However, this time, the intent is to create a base or colony, from which astronauts can launch and get to the Red Planet - Mars.

Whatever the outcome, this mission will put the issue to rest once and for all - And if there is enough water, they may even allow tourists there some day, which would be awesome!

sources: Timesonline.com, SFgate.com,examiner.com