Ancient Secrets of the Moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin

Recent research led by the Center for Lunar Origin and Evolution (CLOE) suggests that the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, the Moon's largest and oldest impact crater, may contain accessible mantle-derived rocks. Computer simulations and gravity mapping indicate that a massive, differentiated impactor struck the Moon at a shallow angle, excavating deep lunar material and depositing it near the lunar south pole. The scientific team, including researchers from Southwest Research Institute and Purdue University, emphasizes that these findings provide a critical roadmap for future exploration. By identifying specific regions where mantle material is likely present, the study offers a strategic advantage for upcoming Artemis missions, potentially allowing astronauts to study the Moon's interior without deep drilling. The study, published in May 2026, combines high-resolution gravity data from NASA's GRAIL mission and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter with advanced impact modeling. This dual-method approach confirms that the SPA basin's unique tapered shape and the distribution of ejected material are consistent with a complex, protoplanet-like collision occurring early in the Moon's history. These insights are highly valuable for mission planning, as they transform the lunar south pole from a general exploration target into a site of specific geological interest. Astronauts may now be able to collect rare, deep-seated lunar samples, significantly advancing our understanding of the Moon's origin and the early evolution of the Solar System.