A team of researchers from the University of Calgary is making strides in the field of space exploration by attempting to purify water found on the moon. The team, consisting of students and faculty members, is competing in a national competition to develop a method for extracting and purifying water from lunar soil.
The competition, organized by the Canadian Space Agency, challenges teams to create a system that can extract water from simulated lunar soil and purify it for human consumption. The University of Calgary team, known as “Lunar Liquidators,” is one of six teams from across Canada participating in the competition.
The team’s project manager, Dr. Sarah Jones, explains that the ability to extract and purify water on the moon is crucial for future space missions. “Water is a vital resource for human survival, and it is also a key component for rocket fuel,” she says. “Being able to access and purify water on the moon would greatly reduce the cost and risk of space exploration.”
The Lunar Liquidators have been working tirelessly for the past year to develop their system, which utilizes a combination of chemical and physical processes to extract and purify water from lunar soil. The team has faced numerous challenges, including the harsh conditions of the moon’s surface and the limited resources available for their project.
Despite these challenges, the team remains determined and optimistic. “We are constantly learning and adapting our methods as we encounter new obstacles,” says team member and chemistry student, John Smith. “It’s an exciting and rewarding experience to be a part of this project.”
The team’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they have received support and recognition from the university and the Canadian Space Agency. “The University of Calgary is proud to have such a dedicated and innovative team representing us in this national competition,” says Dr. Jane Brown, Dean of the Faculty of Science.
The Lunar Liquidators will present their project at the national competition in May, where they will be judged by a panel of experts from the Canadian Space Agency. The winning team will have the opportunity to further develop their system and potentially see it used in future space missions.
The University of Calgary team’s research and dedication to purifying moon water is a testament to the advancements and potential of Canadian space exploration. As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, the ability to access and utilize resources on other planets will be crucial for our success. The Lunar Liquidators are paving the way for a brighter future in space exploration.
