New images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) have revealed vast quantities of titanium ore on the moon. The orbiter's Wide Angle Camera (WAC) took images at seven different ranges of wavelength to detect minor differences in the light being reflected by the surface of the moon.
The chemical composition of mineral results in different intensities of light being absorbed and reflected at different wavelengths. Thus, comparing these images allows the surface of the moon to be mapped according to relative abundances of different ores.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter was launched in June of 2009, along with the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). LCROSS made news in 2009 shortly after launch when it was intentionally crashed into the surface of the moon. The mission's goal was to create a dust plume after impact, which would be analyzed for traces of water beneath the surface.
In 2009, water was confirmed to be present. LRO was simultaneously placed into orbit around the moon for various studies of its surface. Six instrumentation packages are on board, including the LRO Camera package consisting of a WAC and two narrow angle cameras. These cameras have also been used to image the Apollo landing sites of the 1960s and 70s, showing the landers and rovers used by astronauts.
It is still unclear why titanium is present in such great abundances, but its presence is promising. While mining of titanium for use on earth is not a going to happen any time soon, any future moon landings can be focused in these areas to target another element associated with titanium: oxygen.
Titanium exists in its oxide form, TiO2. The oxygen can be extracted and used for fuel as well as life support. Further, titanium based minerals are good at trapping hydrogen and helium from solar wind; these elements can also be used for various types of fuel. This would undoubtedly be useful in long term plans for sustainable moon bases and refueling stations.
