Topic: Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite

Scientists confident moon born of colossal Earth collision that vaporized Zinc

Researchers examined rocks collected by astronauts during NASA's Apollo lunar landing missions, as well as a meteorite that originated on the moon to make the find.

Water on the moon? Maybe a lot more than we thought ... thanks to the sun.

A new study finds 'an unanticipated, abundant reservoir' of water on the moon, molecules formed on the surfaces of oxygen-bearing rocks bombarded by protons from the solar wind.

Rover Curiosity is a star, but can it help fund future of Mars exploration?

The steady stream of enticing photographs from the rover Curiosity may be wowing scientists and the public, but NASA is facing serious budgetary constraints on the future of Mars exploration.

NASA scientists investigate ice in huge, perpetually dark Moon crater (+video)

The interiors of polar craters on the moon are in nearly perpetual darkness, making them cold traps that researchers have long suspected might be home to vast amounts of frozen water and thus key candidates for human exploration.

Your moon base here? Sun-washed crater rim has big vistas, but little water.

A team using observations from a lunar orbiter studied 'the living daylights' out of the Shackleton Crater, near the moon's South Pole. Their findings suggest scant water would be available to supply a lunar base there.

NASA asks future moon explorers to keep away from Apollo landing site

NASA has asked that any future astronauts or rovers visiting the moon refrain from disturbing the artifacts left behind by past US lunar missions.

Hey, space hounds! Here's our top space stories of 2010. What are yours?

A burping black hole, water in weird places, and whopper-size new planets are some top space stories of 2010. If you have different discoveries on your list, post them in the comments section.
12/22/2010 01:54 pm

Moon's got water, yeah. But it's got other resource goodies, too.

Besides water, frigid craters at the moon's poles hold other resources that astronauts might be able to use to sustain lunar bases. There's even a bit of silver.
10/21/2010 07:50 pm

Cool Astronomy Is the moon really a 'been there done that' world?

In the past year, we've learned that the moon is a very different place than what we had thought. Should we be so quick to disregard a manned mission?
07/26/2010 06:45 pm

In Pictures Space photos of the day 06/29

Water on the moon: Eureka! They've found it!

NASA's sampling of a plume of material from a dark crater turns up water on the moon – and other organic compounds, too.
11/14/2009 12:00 am

Horizons Moon bombing video, photos hit Web

The NASA moon bombing was successful. Now the hunt is on for videos and photos from the LCROSS mission.
10/09/2009 01:00 am

NASA moon 'bombing' a plunge into the mystery of lunar water

Two pieces of a NASA spacecraft – not bombs – will crash into the moon early Friday morning, hoping to kick up evidence of water ice at the bottom of a frigid south pole crater.
10/09/2009 01:00 am

Discoveries NASA moon bombing successful. Did we find water?

NASA successfully bombed the moon on Friday ending the LCROSS mission. Now scientists will begin their search for water.
10/09/2009 01:00 am

Horizons NASA moon bombing: It's true, but don't worry

On Friday, NASA will bomb a crater in hopes of finding water vapor on the moon.
10/08/2009 01:00 am

Coldest place in the solar system? Look to the moon.

Craters may hold evidence of Earth's history, and frozen ices at their floors could be valuable resources for lunar explorers.
09/18/2009 01:00 am

How an amateur beat the pros in spotting Jupiter collision

With dedication and good timing, amateur astronomers have helped track asteroids and search for planets. NASA is enlisting some for a moon observation mission.
07/23/2009 01:00 am

NASA heads back to the moon

The mission to gather data needed to put humans on the moon again launches Thursday evening. It includes slamming a satellite craft into the bottom of a lunar crater.
06/18/2009 01:00 am

NASA resets shuttle launch for Wednesday

The delayed launch of Endeavour – caused by a fuel tank leak similar to one that delayed the shuttle Discovery in March – also bumps the launch of a moon reconnaissance mission to Thursday.
06/16/2009 01:00 am

NASA unveils new lunar map

The latest, most detailed map offers the best view yet of the lunar south pole, considered a prime target for a manned landing after 2020.
02/29/2008 12:00 am