In a breakthrough that could pave the way for future space habitats, scientists have revealed how water is regenerated on asteroids .
Researchers from Curtin University, funded by NASA, revealed that water can be replenished on the surface of asteroids if both solar wind and impacting meteoroids come together at very low temperatures.
While previous studies have suggested that just one factor was needed to maintain water on asteroids, the new findings indicate that there are actually two components necessary.
Dr Katarina Miljkovic, who led the study, said: “This complex process to regenerate surface water molecules could also be a possible mechanism to replenish water supplies on other airless bodies, such as the moon.”
In the study, the researchers took a piece of the Murchison meteorite which fell to Earth 50 years ago, and simulated the weather conditions of an asteroid belt.
The team then used energised electrons to simulate solar winds, and lasers to mimic small meteoroids slamming into the asteroid.
An analysis of the water levels on the surface revealed that the combination of solar winds and meteoroid impacts created water.
Dr Miljkovic added: “This research finding has potentially significant implications because we all know the availability of water in the solar system is an extremely important element for habitability in space."
