To the moon!

In a significant development for lunar exploration, a Gloucestershire-based company, Naicker Scientific, has been awarded £150,000 for inventing a device capable of producing clean water from the Moon’s icy soil. The system, known as SonoChem, utilizes a combination of microwave technology, ultrasonic waves, and a biomass feeder to extract and purify water, a crucial step toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. This innovation was recognized as part of the Aqualunar Challenge, a competition funded by the UK Space Agency to encourage novel solutions for water production on the Moon. 

The SonoChem system operates through a multi-step process: it begins by heating lunar soil using microwaves to release water vapor, which is then captured and condensed into liquid form. Subsequently, ultrasonic waves are applied to further purify the water, ensuring it meets the standards necessary for human consumption and use. This method not only addresses the challenge of accessing water on the Moon but also paves the way for utilizing in-situ resources to support long-term lunar missions.

The success of Naicker Scientific’s technology holds promise beyond lunar applications. The team is exploring the potential of their system for terrestrial use, such as portable water purification devices and treatment of industrial effluents. Additionally, the extracted lunar water could be used to produce rocket fuel, facilitating further space exploration endeavors. This achievement underscores the growing synergy between space technology and sustainable solutions on Earth, highlighting the broader impact of innovations developed for extraterrestrial environments.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/27/producing-clean-drinking-water-on-moon-invention-naicker-scientific-gloucestershire-company-prize